{"id":263908,"first_name":"Matt","last_name":"Targett","short_name":"M. Targett","common_name":"Matt Targett","place_of_birth":"Winchester","gender":"male","height":177,"weight":70,"status":"active","createdAt":"2024-11-07T06:54:15.745Z","updatedAt":"2025-03-17T12:06:40.319Z","locale":"en","age":29,"stb_id":"matt-targett","description":null,"tier":null,"common_name_en":"Matt Targett","top_position":null,"introduction":"Matthew Robert Targett, born on 18 September 1995, is a prominent professional footballer renowned for his role as a left-back with Premier League club Newcastle United. Distinguished for his contributions at both the club and international youth levels, Targett's career has been marked by significant achievements including a key role in Fulham's ascension to the Premier League and a solid presence within the Premier League, particularly with Aston Villa and Newcastle United.","early_life_and_career":"## Early Years \n Matthew Targett was born in Eastleigh, Hampshire, on 18 September 1995. He was drawn to football from a young age and his passion for the sport was evident early in his life, growing up in a supportive environment that encouraged his athletic pursuits. While detailed information about his family and education is not provided, Targett's early life in Hampshire likely played a role in his football aspirations. \n\n ## Youth Career \n Targett's journey into professional football began at a remarkably young age when he joined Southampton's academy at just eight years old. His development in the youth ranks of Southampton was notable, as he honed his skills and eventually began the transition into the senior squad. His standout performance in the youth setup saw him being named Southampton's young player of the season in 2015, demonstrating his potential and dedication to the sport.","professional_career_and_highlights":"## Club Career \n ### Southampton \n Targett began his professional career at Southampton, making his debut in a League Cup match against Millwall on 26 August 2014. Although his early appearances were often as a substitute, by the end of his debut season, he had secured a spot in the starting lineup, rewarded with the Young Player of the Season award for 2014–15. He continued to contribute to Southampton until 2019, with notable moments including scoring his only goal for the club against Bournemouth in April 2019. \n\n ### Fulham (Loan) \n In January 2018, Targett joined Fulham on loan, where he contributed significantly to the team's success, scoring against Bolton Wanderers and playing the full match in the Championship Play-off Final to secure Fulham's promotion to the Premier League in May 2018. \n\n ### Aston Villa \n Targett transferred to Aston Villa on 1 July 2019. He had an impactful tenure, highlighted by a crucial late goal against Brighton in October 2019. His consistent performances, particularly during the 2020–21 season where he played every minute of all 38 Premier League matches, earned him the club's Players' Player of the Season award. \n\n ### Newcastle United \n Targett initially joined Newcastle United on loan in January 2022 and made the transfer permanent later that year with a four-year contract. His role at Newcastle United continued to solidify his status as a reliable defender in the Premier League. \n\n ## National Team Career \n ### Youth National Teams \n Targett's international experience began with Scotland U19, but he soon switched allegiance to England U19. He scored his first international goal for England U20s against Portugal in November 2014, and was part of the U21 team that won the Toulon Tournament in 2016. \n\n ### Senior National Team \n Although yet to make an appearance for the senior national teams, Targett remains eligible for both England and Scotland, with discussions around his potential inclusion reported as recently as April 2022.","playing_style_and_skills":"## Player Characteristics \n Matt Targett is primarily noted for his role as a left-back, where his defensive capabilities and attacking support down the flanks are significant assets. His technical skills include precise crossing, solid defensive positioning, and an ability to read the game effectively. Physically, he demonstrates endurance and tactical awareness, making him a valued team player. \n\n ## Performance Statistics \n While specific statistics such as total matches played, goals, and assists are not detailed in the source, his consistent presence in club squads, particularly noted during the 2020–21 Premier League season with Aston Villa, underscores his reliability and contribution on the pitch. \n\n ## Records \n Notably, Targett was the only outfield player for Aston Villa to start all 38 Premier League matches in the 2020–21 season, showcasing his durability and importance to the squad.","notable_achievements":"## Achievements \n ### Team Achievements \n - U21 Premier League Cup with Southampton (2014–15) \n - EFL Championship play-offs with Fulham (2018) \n - EFL Cup runner-up with Aston Villa (2019–20) \n - EFL Cup runner-up with Newcastle United (2022–23) \n\n ### Individual Achievements \n - Southampton Young Player of the Season (2014–15) \n - Aston Villa Players' Player of the Season (2020–21) \n\n ## Awards and Recognition \n Targett's recognition through individual accolades, particularly at Aston Villa, emphasizes his peers' acknowledgment of his contributions and consistency on the field.","impact_on_sport":"## Career Overview \n Matthew Targett’s football career is one marked by growth and achievement, transitioning from promising academy talent at Southampton to a recognized and reliable presence in the Premier League. His journey reflects not just his adaptability and skill on the pitch, but also his significance as a team player. \n\n ## Off the Field \n While the source does not elaborate on Targett's off-field activities, including commercial engagements or charity work, his impact remains centered on his professional contributions. \n\n ## Personal Life \n Specific details about Targett's personal life, family, or interests beyond football are not covered in the source information provided.","stb_internal_id":"01930566-fb81-76e9-82a6-12afb02ceace","overrides":null,"type_code":"defender","position_type_code":"defender","detailed_position_type_code":"left-back","roles":"player","has_biography":true,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":null,"has_article_relations":null,"has_social_media_relations":null,"introduction_html":"

Matthew Robert Targett, born on 18 September 1995, is a prominent professional footballer renowned for his role as a left-back with Premier League club Newcastle United. Distinguished for his contributions at both the club and international youth levels, Targett's career has been marked by significant achievements including a key role in Fulham's ascension to the Premier League and a solid presence within the Premier League, particularly with Aston Villa and Newcastle United.

\n","early_life_and_career_html":"

Early Years

Matthew Targett was born in Eastleigh, Hampshire, on 18 September 1995. He was drawn to football from a young age and his passion for the sport was evident early in his life, growing up in a supportive environment that encouraged his athletic pursuits. While detailed information about his family and education is not provided, Targett's early life in Hampshire likely played a role in his football aspirations.

Youth Career

Targett's journey into professional football began at a remarkably young age when he joined Southampton's academy at just eight years old. His development in the youth ranks of Southampton was notable, as he honed his skills and eventually began the transition into the senior squad. His standout performance in the youth setup saw him being named Southampton's young player of the season in 2015, demonstrating his potential and dedication to the sport.

\n","professional_career_and_highlights_html":"

Club Career

Southampton

Targett began his professional career at Southampton, making his debut in a League Cup match against Millwall on 26 August 2014. Although his early appearances were often as a substitute, by the end of his debut season, he had secured a spot in the starting lineup, rewarded with the Young Player of the Season award for 2014–15. He continued to contribute to Southampton until 2019, with notable moments including scoring his only goal for the club against Bournemouth in April 2019.

Fulham (Loan)

In January 2018, Targett joined Fulham on loan, where he contributed significantly to the team's success, scoring against Bolton Wanderers and playing the full match in the Championship Play-off Final to secure Fulham's promotion to the Premier League in May 2018.

Aston Villa

Targett transferred to Aston Villa on 1 July 2019. He had an impactful tenure, highlighted by a crucial late goal against Brighton in October 2019. His consistent performances, particularly during the 2020–21 season where he played every minute of all 38 Premier League matches, earned him the club's Players' Player of the Season award.

Newcastle United

Targett initially joined Newcastle United on loan in January 2022 and made the transfer permanent later that year with a four-year contract. His role at Newcastle United continued to solidify his status as a reliable defender in the Premier League.

National Team Career

Youth National Teams

Targett's international experience began with Scotland U19, but he soon switched allegiance to England U19. He scored his first international goal for England U20s against Portugal in November 2014, and was part of the U21 team that won the Toulon Tournament in 2016.

Senior National Team

Although yet to make an appearance for the senior national teams, Targett remains eligible for both England and Scotland, with discussions around his potential inclusion reported as recently as April 2022.

\n","playing_style_and_skills_html":"

Player Characteristics

Matt Targett is primarily noted for his role as a left-back, where his defensive capabilities and attacking support down the flanks are significant assets. His technical skills include precise crossing, solid defensive positioning, and an ability to read the game effectively. Physically, he demonstrates endurance and tactical awareness, making him a valued team player.

Performance Statistics

While specific statistics such as total matches played, goals, and assists are not detailed in the source, his consistent presence in club squads, particularly noted during the 2020–21 Premier League season with Aston Villa, underscores his reliability and contribution on the pitch.

Records

Notably, Targett was the only outfield player for Aston Villa to start all 38 Premier League matches in the 2020–21 season, showcasing his durability and importance to the squad.

\n","notable_achievements_html":"

Achievements

Team Achievements

U21 Premier League Cup with Southampton (2014–15)
EFL Championship play-offs with Fulham (2018)
EFL Cup runner-up with Aston Villa (2019–20)
EFL Cup runner-up with Newcastle United (2022–23)

Individual Achievements

Southampton Young Player of the Season (2014–15)
Aston Villa Players' Player of the Season (2020–21)

Awards and Recognition

Targett's recognition through individual accolades, particularly at Aston Villa, emphasizes his peers' acknowledgment of his contributions and consistency on the field.

\n","impact_on_sport_html":"

Career Overview

Matthew Targett’s football career is one marked by growth and achievement, transitioning from promising academy talent at Southampton to a recognized and reliable presence in the Premier League. His journey reflects not just his adaptability and skill on the pitch, but also his significance as a team player.

Off the Field

While the source does not elaborate on Targett's off-field activities, including commercial engagements or charity work, his impact remains centered on his professional contributions.

Personal Life

Specific details about Targett's personal life, family, or interests beyond football are not covered in the source information provided.

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Matt Targett: Profile