2019-2020 Player Preview: Matt Targett

Oh look... I’m back to write about another fullback!

Matt Targett could not get enough first team play at Southampton because of Ryan Bertrand — so the 23-year-old left fullback looks set to start the season in the Aston Villa first XI. Dean Smith is likely to give him ample opportunity to keep the spot because he (and everyone) knows exactly what to expect from solid Neil Taylor.

Matt Targett has a much higher ceiling and fits with the attacking style of football that the manager wants. I expect Targett to play the role of Matthew Lowton during his first year with Villa — but from the other side of the pitch. Crosses early and often — but with a knowledge to overlap when El Ghazi cuts inside from the left wing.

The young man is going to have to raise his game though. Villa supporters remember him from the Fulham side that was promoted — but at the higher level Targett is yet to have a significant impact. The same can be said of many Villa players however. His growth could make or break Villa’s ability to attack down the left.

Targett must make sure he is not caught too far up the pitch — especially if there is no defensive midfielder in the squad.

Discipline-wise it seems like Targett isn’t one to pick up loads of cards — his year with Fulham in the Championship he only saw yellow twice in 20 appearances.

It has to be a big season from the new man on the left.