‘Like everything about him’: Luis Enrique hails reported Liverpool target; could cost £25m

Spain boss Luis Enrique has paid tribute to reported Liverpool target Pau Torres after another fine international performance from the Villarreal star, speaking to Marca.

With the European Championships just months away, it seems the debate over who should partner Sergio Ramos at centre-half has been silenced at last.

After a fine start to the La Liga season with a Villarreal side sitting second in the table after nine games, 23-year-old Torres started his fifth competitive international match in succession in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Switzerland.

And with Enrique singing his praises after a result that kept Spain’s hopes of qualifying for the Nations League finals alive, the fastest defender in Spain is well placed to be one of the first names on the La Roja team sheet in the summer.

“I like everything about Pau because I like the players who are able to carry the ball out and I like his tactical sense,” Enrique said.

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“I like everything about him. He’s tall, handsome and a good kid.”

Top-class, left-footed central defenders are like hens’ teeth too. No wonder Torres is in such high demand with the January window only weeks away.

Injury-hit Liverpool have identified the classiest of ball-players as a potential addition to Jurgen Klopp’s beleaguered back line (90Min).

Sport claims Pau Torres has a £45 million release clause in his contract, although there’s talk he can be snapped up for a reduced fee of £25 million.

Arsenal were linked earlier in the year but, in Gabriel Magalhaes and Pablo Mari, Mikel Arteta isn’t short of talented, left-footed centre-halves.

In other news, 'Outstanding': Klopp raves about one Liverpool player's display against Brighton