---
title: "Aston Villa: Fans react to praise for defender Matt Targett"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/aston-villa-fans-react-to-praise-for-defender-matt-targett/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Luke Seychell"
section: "Aston Villa"
published: "2020-11-13T17:30:54Z"
modified: "2020-11-13T17:30:54Z"
---

# Aston Villa: Fans react to praise for defender Matt Targett

**Aston Villa have had a very strong start to the season as they currently [sit sixth](https://www.sofascore.com/tournament/football/england/premier-league/17). They have picked up huge [wins](https://www.sofascore.com/tournament/football/england/premier-league/17) against Liverpool, Arsenal and Leicester.**

Players like Jack Grealish have been receiving a lot of [praise](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/aston-villa-transfer-rumours/aston-villa-jack-grealish-receives-huge-praise-from-former-pl-star-kevin-campbell/). However, journalist Ashley Preece has been raving over another key part of Dean Smith’s machine – defender Matt Targett.

Preece said that the ‘understated’ left-back should be given ‘credit where it’s due’, via @[AVFC\_News](https://twitter.com/AVFC_News/status/1326864822198296579?s=20) and he definitely has a point. In his seven Premier league appearances this season, the 25 year-old has managed 1.1 tackles, 1.3 interceptions and 2.3 clearances a game ([WhoScored](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/136776/Show/Matt-Targett)).

He has been [slated](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/aston-villa-news/aston-villa-fans-blast-matt-targett-after-southampton-defeat/) by some of the fan base at times this season, but he has definitely been a vital cog in helping Villa achieve such a good start to the campaign.

With the flying full-back still quite young and performing to a very good level in the division this season, there is no doubt that he can continue to grow into an even better defender as the campaign progresses.

### Here is what fans said following the praise for the Aston Villa player:

> Whilst there may be calls to replace Matt Targett in the long run, [@PreeceObserver](https://twitter.com/PreeceObserver?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) believes the 'understated' full back should be given 'credit where it's due' [#avfc](https://twitter.com/hashtag/avfc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/ry91ay01tT](https://t.co/ry91ay01tT)
>
> — Aston Villa News (@AVFC\_News) [November 12, 2020](https://twitter.com/AVFC_News/status/1326864822198296579?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Reliable, solid. Understated. Those who call to replace that, haven’t been watching villa for the last 10 years.
>
> — Uncommon Sense (@thebigflynnof3) [November 12, 2020](https://twitter.com/thebigflynnof3/status/1327015624393060352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> It’s a fair shout .. I’ve been critical of Targett previously so have to balance and say he’s doing well at the minute
>
> — George Fowler (@FowlerLegend) [November 12, 2020](https://twitter.com/FowlerLegend/status/1326892843101773826?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> It’s all about the understanding with Grealish. Don’t underestimate that. Targett knows when to hold and time his runs, creating space and uncertainty to allow Grealish to do his thing. It’s a great partnership.
>
> — Ian Clover (@iclover) [November 12, 2020](https://twitter.com/iclover/status/1326867751412097027?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Totally agree with that assessment! For me that was right on the nose.
>
> — chip. (@chipelibiza) [November 12, 2020](https://twitter.com/chipelibiza/status/1326865226445230081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Good against Arsenal!!
>
> — james eidum (@eidumj) [November 12, 2020](https://twitter.com/eidumj/status/1326885641171464192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Underrated and under appreciated in my opinion deserves more credit then he gets.
>
> — James Allen (@AllenJames97) [November 13, 2020](https://twitter.com/AllenJames97/status/1327213404335927297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

***In other Villa news, supporters do not want the club to sign one winger that has been heavily linked. Have a read who it is [here](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/aston-villa-transfer-rumours/aston-villa-fans-react-to-the-latest-on-summer-target-milot-rashica/)!***