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An arrival that was very much welcomed at Villa Park in the 2019/20 season after Dean Smith’s side won promotion back to the top-flight, Matt Targett was a new signing aimed to bolster a lacklustre defence.
Targett has been a household name for the Villans since signing 20 months ago, has played a crucial role in Aston Villa’s fairy-tale campaign and most recently in the Brummie outfits 1-0 away win against Leeds United.
The Southampton academy graduate has transformed into one of the Premier League’s most exciting full-backs, looking good when going forward whilst also a defender that isn’t afraid of getting stuck in.
The Eastleigh born defender may not be too far off from bagging himself a ticket to the Euro’s under Gareth Southgate, who has been at a number of Villa’s matches in recent weeks.
Dean Smith had his say on Targett’s terrific season following their 1-0 win at Leeds stating:
“I think Targett has had a fantastic season, he’ll be the first to say he’s hard to work hard to get to the levels we wanted. He’s been on of our standout performers this season.”
Most notably in their victory at Elland Road, the 25-year-old has begun to relish the physical aspects of the game; bodying Helder Costa whilst also retaining possession.
It’s clear to see that with a much-needed confidence boost since surviving on the final day of the season last year, Targett has transformed into an influential player at B6.
Furthermore, the Villa boss spoke about how impressed Southgate will be, citing:
“Southgate would’ve been impressed, yeah, but he’d have been impressed with Matt Targett at left-back who’s been having an outstanding season.”
With another clean sheet earned on the road, Aston Villa remain in eighth place whilst Leeds sit in tenth and 13 points clear of 18th place Fulham.
Smith’s side broke the deadlock within five minutes at Elland Road through the Dutchman, Anwar El Ghazi. The winger controlled Ollie Watkins’ cross well and tucked away his effort past Illan Meslier, a cool finish from the 25-year-old brought his tally up to seven for the season.
For Villa to win a game with a number of key players missing through injury (Matty Cash and Jack Grealish) is something quite special as well as something to be proud of, showing strength in depth as the Villans dug deep against their hosts.
Next up for the Yorkshire Whites is a trip to the capital as they face off to a tough West Ham side, thriving under David Moyes.
Meanwhile for Smith’s men, they remain in Yorkshire but this time at Bramall Lane against Chris Wilder’s Blades who sit rock bottom of the Premier League.
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