Darren Bent has claimed that Newcastle’s January capture, Matt Targett, was deemed ‘not good enough’ for Aston Villa, as he told Sky Sports News (01/02/22 at 7:10 pm).
The former striker labelled the loaned out Villa defender as being ‘weak at times’ following his move to Newcastle.
Last season, Targett was named Villa’s Players’ Player of the Season and was also on the shortlist for Supporters Player of the Year – and deservedly so because he was the club’s most improved player.
But, during this campaign, the left-back’s form has been indifferent and the January capture of Lucas Digne pushed him out of Steven Gerrard’s XI.
Overall, Bent was ‘a little underwhelmed’ by what Newcastle brought in during the winter transfer window, as he aimed jabs at the Targett signing.
“I am a little underwhelmed if I am totally honest with you,” said Bent. “There are some good players there.
“Matt Targett was deemed not good enough for Aston Villa. Weak at times. Dan Burn, really good for Brighton and improves them.
“Bruno, really good player, but he is untested in the Premier League. You look at the squad and you think ‘okay, they have improved’.
“But if they could have got that one superstar signing, like a Jesse Lingard, then I would say ‘they have got a little bit of X-factor about them’. But I couldn’t say, after those five signings, that they will definitely stay up.”
There were some Villa fans who questioned why Targett was allowed to leave St James’ Park on a loan deal.
Digne did indeed push him out of the XI, but that’s because he suited Gerrard’s system better and he is a more attack-minded fullback than the Englishman.
From a defensive aspect, Targett is much better than Digne and he will showcase his defensive intelligence under Howe.
In truth, that’s what Newcastle need and Targett’s experience, as well as battling relegation, will come in handy for the Magpies.
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