Matt Targett joined Middlesbrough just a few days before the summer transfer window came to a close, and two games into life on Teesside, he’s proving his worth.
The left-back signed on loan from Newcastle United, with the Carabao Cup champions deeming him surplus to requirements as they prepare for life in the Europa League later this week.
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However, at 29, Targett is using all of the experience that he has built over the last few years of his career in the Premier League to help his new club. In fact, ahead of Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Preston North End, this was Boro’s best start to a season in 31 years.
It is clear to see the impact that Rob Edwards has had on this team, although he was left unimpressed with supporters booing Morgan Whittaker at the weekend. Nonetheless, this is a very good Middlesbrough side, and Targett has opened up on why that is.
Matt Targett explains why Middlesbrough have made a strong start
Boro sit top of the Championship table after five games, a point ahead of Stoke City, and they are just one of three sides to have not been beaten in the league in 2025/26.
Matt Targett of Middlesbrough celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Preston North End and Middlesbrough
Photo by Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images
Few expected Middlesbrough to start this strongly, and they have been a real surprise package. However, for Targett, it’s something that he saw coming and he has explained why the team has played this well.
He said (via: Gazette Live): “I think it’s a sign of a good team, never knowing when you’re beaten. We showed our character, the subs that came on had a massive impact and gave us real energy. If the first 11 ain’t going to do it then we know we’ve got a squad that means players can come off the bench and make a real impact.
“It’s great that we got the point. Obviously we came here to get all three, but it’s not the easiest place to come, as Ipswich and Leicester found out already. So to show the character we did, I think that’s the sign of a top team. Without getting carried away, we’re a good team.
“We’ve had a good start, but the very top teams go week after week, again and again. Consistently, we know what we have to do to end up where we want to be at the end of the season. We’re still building and we’re still learning about each other as players. I feel like we’ll only get stronger and stronger. We fight for each other.”
Matt Targett has made a great start to life at Boro
Targett has very little Championship experience, having played just 18 times in the division prior to joining Middlesbrough. However, he has taken to the division extremely well, scoring once as well as registering an assist in his first two matches.
Edwards has already utilised him as a left wing-back, and he has thrived in this more attacking role, which is only helping Boro in their quest for promotion.
Appearances (starts) 2 (1)
Minutes played 135
Goals (assists) 1 (1)
Pass accuracy 77.3%
Tackle success 100%
Duel success 55.6%
Recoveries 12
Matt Targett Middlesbrough stats 2025/26 – FotMob
However, he is also proving his worth in a defensive aspect, winning all four of his tackles so far this season, as well as 55.6% of his duels.
Targett could well be a very underrated signing this summer, and Middlesbrough are benefiting greatly from Newcastle’s decision to send him out on loan.