When you think of Newcastle United’s most technically gifted players, you would immediately go to someone like Alexander Isak or Bruno Guimaraes.
They are elite players for Newcastle United who have been described as world class during their time on Tyneside.
Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes have played key roles in Eddie Howe’s side doing so well in recent years, and it is vital they remain at St James’ Park if the Magpies are going to progress.
However, Eddie Howe has actually named a surprising member of Newcastle United’s first-team squad as one of his most technically gifted players.
Eddie Howe’s high praise for Newcastle United defender Matt Targett
Ahead of Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup clash with Wimbledon, Howe has been speaking to the media.
The Newcastle United manager was asked about Matt Targett‘s current absence, with the defender enduring a miserable 12 months with regards to his fitness.
“It’s been tough for Matt,” he said.
“Previous to those spells out he had been a really reliable performer for us. He had been someone who’d come in during a relegation battle and really solidified that left-back position. He consistently played to a really high level. Really good professional.
“This has been a really difficult time for him. The time he has spent injured has been hugely frustrating for him and for us because we’ve missed a very, very good player. Matt is technically, for me, one of the best players in the squad.
“We’ve really missed him and would love to get him back fit on a consistent basis.”
No Matt Targett against Wimbledon
While Howe believes that Targett is one of Newcastle’s best players in terms of technical ability, he will not be available for Tuesday night’s game in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
“It’s a little bit too early for Matt,” he said.
“He’s still in the very early stages of training. At the moment, he feels good, but I don’t think he’ll make this game.”
Targett will be desperate for this to be the end of his Newcastle fitness woes
It was noted last week that Matt Targett was not in Newcastle United training ahead of the Manchester City game.
Howe then confirmed that the 29-year-old was absent due to suffering from a bout of eczema – one of the stranger injuries in Newcastle United’s history.
But now the left-back is nearing a return, even if the cup contest against Wimbledon will come too soon.
Regardless, Howe is very keen to welcome Targett back into the fold. He has spoken very highly about the £15million man, who has had some rotten luck since joining the Magpies permanently in the summer of 2022.
Since losing his place in the starting XI to Dan Burn, Targett has had serious fitness issues. He was only able to make seven appearances in total last season, while the 2024/25 campaign has only seen him feature on the bench so far.
But given the fact that Howe thinks Targett is one of Newcastle’s most technically talented players, you would assume he must be keen to find a way to get him back into the side once he is fit again.
However, Targett will be competing with Lewis Hall and Lloyd Kelly to start at left-back for the Magpies.
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