Unai Emery reiterates stance on Tyrone Mings as Aston Villa plan explained
Tyrone Mings has made three appearances since returning from the serious knee injury he suffered on the opening weekend of last season
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has reiterated his desire to start Pau Torres and Tyrone Mings in defence after the latter's impressive return from an ACL injury.
Mings returned to Premier League action earlier this month and put in a man of the match performance against Brentford as Villa ended their eight-match winless run. He was named on the bench for the following two matches against Southampton and RB Leipzig.
In the win at the Red Bull Arena on Tuesday night, Emery played a back three including Ezri Konsa, Diego Carlos and Torres, while Matty Cash and Lucas Digne operated as the wing-backs. Ahead of Villa's clash with Nottingham Forest on Saturday, Emery was asked if that system opens the door for Mings to feature alongside Torres.
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"We need time, last season we started the pre-season practising things like that," Emery said. "Mings got injured against Newcastle and, of course, we are now starting again with both players being available.
"I would like to play with both players in the starting XI, but we have to build a structure and this will take time. We need time practising in the training sessions and in matches.
"I am very happy with both players, very, very happy. Tyrone Mings played a fantastic match against Brentford after the first he played more or less feeling comfortable. The match against Brentford he felt better and was getting confidence in himself. He is ready to play feeling like he was feeling comfortable against Brentford.
"Pau Torres is helping us a lot in the idea and style we have. They are a little bit different. Tyrone is a bit stronger (physically) in everything, but Pau has high quality in the build-up.
"Both have possibilities to improve. Tyrone Mings, before his injury he was playing with confidence in our idea and style. Pau Torres, to be stronger in duels, he is working on it. They are both in good shape and in my mind they are available to play and successfully."