Matty Cash
Polish footballer.
Matty Cash is a professional footballer who currently plays as a right-back for Aston Villa in the Premier League and the Poland national team. Born on August 7, 1997, in Slough, England, Cash's journey to the top of English football is a testament to his determination and resilience. After being released by Wycombe Wanderers at the age of 16, Cash rebuilt his career through the FAB Academy before joining Nottingham Forest in 2014. He made his professional debut for Forest in 2016 and quickly established himself as a key player, making over 140 appearances for the club across all competitions. His performances at Forest caught the attention of Premier League clubs, leading to a £16 million move to Aston Villa in September 2020. Since joining Villa, Cash has become an integral part of the team, known for his attacking prowess and defensive solidity.
His consistent performances in the Premier League led to international recognition, albeit not for his country of birth. In 2021, Cash obtained Polish citizenship through his maternal grandparents and made his debut for the Polish national team. This decision opened up new opportunities for Cash, including representing Poland at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. His versatility, work rate, and technical ability have made him a valuable asset for both club and country, cementing his status as one of the Premier League's most reliable right-backs.
Early life & youth football
Cash's early life and youth career were marked by both setbacks and perseverance. Growing up in Slough, he joined the Wycombe Wanderers youth academy at the age of 13. However, his time at Wycombe was cut short when he was released at 16, with the club citing his physical development as a concern. Undeterred, Cash joined the FAB Academy in Berkshire, where he continued his football education. It was during a match for FAB Academy against Nottingham Forest that Cash caught the eye of Forest's academy coaches. This led to a trial and subsequently a place in Forest's youth setup in 2014.
Cash's journey from being released by Wycombe to signing with a Championship club like Forest in just two years demonstrates his determination to succeed in professional football.
Professional career
Matty Cash's journey at Nottingham Forest began when he joined the club in October 2014 after being released by Wycombe Wanderers. His time at Wycombe ended due to financial issues that led to the disbanding of their youth teams. Cash quickly made an impression at Forest, showcasing his talent and determination in the youth setup.To gain valuable first-team experience, Cash was loaned to Dagenham & Redbridge in March 2016.
The loan spell was a significant opportunity for the young right-back, allowing him to compete in League Two and further develop his skills. During his time at Dagenham, Cash made a notable impact, appearing in several matches and demonstrating his potential. He scored his first professional goal for the club in a 3-1 defeat against Hartlepool United on March 12, 2016, showcasing his attacking capabilities from the right-back position.Cash's performances at Dagenham caught the attention of Nottingham Forest's coaching staff.
Upon returning to Forest, he was integrated into the first-team squad and quickly earned his place in the starting lineup. His successful loan spell at Dagenham not only provided him with essential match experience but also helped him gain the confidence needed to thrive in the competitive environment of the Championship. This experience ultimately paved the way for Cash's rise to prominence at Nottingham Forest, where he became a key player in the following seasons. Matty Cash's 2016/17 season with Nottingham Forest marked his breakthrough into first-team football.
He made his debut on August 6, 2016, starting in a 4-3 win over Burton Albion. Cash quickly established himself in the team, making 30 appearances across all competitions. However, his progress was temporarily halted by a fractured tibia in September, which sidelined him for three months. Upon his return, Cash's performances attracted interest from top clubs, with reported bids from Chelsea and RB Leipzig.
Despite this attention, Cash remained at Forest and signed a new contract in March 2017, extending his stay until 2021. He finished the season with 2 assists in the Championship, showcasing his potential as an attacking full-back.The 2017/18 season saw Cash continue his development at Nottingham Forest. He made 25 appearances across all competitions, scoring 2 goals and providing 3 assists in the Championship.
Cash's versatility became evident this season, as he was deployed in various positions including right-back, right midfield, and central midfield. His first goal for Forest came in a 5-2 win against Queens Park Rangers on February 24, 2018. Despite an ankle injury at the start of the season that sidelined him for several weeks, Cash bounced back to become an important player for the team. His performances throughout the season demonstrated his growing confidence and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively.
In the 2018/19 season, Cash firmly established himself as a key player for Nottingham Forest. He made 41 appearances across all competitions, scoring 8 goals and providing 1 assist in the Championship. This was Cash's most productive season in terms of goal contributions, highlighting his increasing influence in the team's attacking play. His performances earned him praise from fans and pundits alike, with his energy, work rate, and attacking instincts particularly standing out.
Cash's ability to play in multiple positions continued to be an asset for Forest, as he featured prominently at right-back and in midfield throughout the season. His consistent performances helped Forest to a 9th place finish in the Championship.The 2019/20 season was a defining one for Matty Cash at Nottingham Forest. Under manager Sabri Lamouchi, Cash was converted to a right-back, a position where he excelled.
He made 42 appearances in the Championship, scoring 3 goals and providing 5 assists. His performances in this new role attracted interest from several Premier League clubs. Cash's defensive skills improved significantly, complementing his already strong attacking abilities. His consistent displays earned him Nottingham Forest's Player of the Season award.
Despite Forest narrowly missing out on the play-offs, Cash's individual performances were a bright spot. This season solidified his reputation as one of the Championship's best right-backs and set the stage for his subsequent move to Aston Villa. Matty Cash's 2020/21 season marked his debut year with Aston Villa following his £16 million transfer from Nottingham Forest. He quickly established himself as Villa's first-choice right-back, making 28 appearances in the Premier League.
Cash's defensive solidity and attacking contributions were evident from the start, as he averaged 2.5 tackles and 2.9 interceptions per game. He provided 2 assists during the season, showcasing his ability to contribute to the attack.
However, his season was briefly interrupted by a hamstring injury in February 2021, causing him to miss several matches. Despite this setback, Cash's performances were crucial in helping Villa secure an 11th place finish in the Premier League. His adaptation to top-flight football was impressive, with manager Dean Smith praising his consistency and work rate. Cash's debut season at Villa Park laid a strong foundation for his future at the club, demonstrating his potential to be a key player in the coming years.
The 2021/22 season saw Matty Cash cement his status as one of the Premier League's most reliable right-backs. He started all 38 Premier League games for Aston Villa, a testament to his consistency and fitness. Cash's attacking output improved significantly, scoring 4 goals and providing 3 assists in the league. His first goal for Villa came in a 3-0 victory over Everton on September 18, 2021.
Cash's performances earned him Villa's Supporters' Player of the Year award. He also made his international debut for Poland during this season, playing in World Cup qualifiers. One of his most memorable moments came in February 2022, when he scored a long-range effort against Brighton, which was nominated for Premier League Goal of the Month. Cash's improved performances attracted interest from other clubs, but he committed his future to Villa by signing a five-year contract extension in April 2022.
His consistent displays and increased attacking threat were key factors in Villa's 14th place finish in the Premier League.In the 2022/23 season, Matty Cash continued to be a crucial player for Aston Villa, although injuries limited his appearances. He featured in 28 matches across all competitions, scoring 1 goal and providing 4 assists in the Premier League. Cash's performances helped Villa secure a 7th place finish in the league, qualifying for the Europa Conference League.
His defensive contributions remained strong, averaging 2.7 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game. Cash also represented Poland at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, starting all four matches as Poland reached the Round of 16.
His international experience seemed to elevate his game, with manager Unai Emery praising his tactical understanding and versatility. Despite the injury setbacks, Cash's importance to the team was evident, and he played a key role in Villa's improved league position. His ability to balance defensive duties with attacking contributions continued to make him a valuable asset for both club and country.The 2023/24 season has seen Matty Cash further enhance his reputation as one of the Premier League's top right-backs.
As of the latest data, Cash has made a strong start to the campaign, scoring 2 goals in his first two Premier League appearances. His brace came in a 3-1 victory over Burnley on August 27, 2023, which also marked his 100th appearance for Aston Villa. Under Unai Emery's guidance, Cash has continued to develop his attacking game while maintaining his defensive solidity. His performances have been crucial in Villa's push for European qualification.
Cash has also continued to feature regularly for Poland, cementing his place as their first-choice right-back. His consistent displays at both club and international level have attracted interest from several top European clubs. However, Cash remains committed to Aston Villa, playing a key role in their domestic and European campaigns.
National team
Matty Cash's senior international career took an unexpected turn when he decided to represent Poland rather than England. Despite being born and raised in England, Cash was eligible for Polish citizenship through his maternal grandparents. In October 2021, after a process that took several months, Cash was granted Polish citizenship. He received his first call-up to the Polish national team in November 2021 for the World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Hungary.
Cash made his international debut for Poland on November 12, 2021, in a 4-1 victory over Andorra, coming on as a substitute in the 63rd minute. His decision to represent Poland opened up immediate opportunities for international football that might not have been available had he waited for an England call-up.The right-back quickly established himself as a regular in the Polish national team. He scored his first international goal on June 1, 2022, in a UEFA Nations League match against Wales. This rapid integration into the team led to his inclusion in Poland's squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.At the World Cup, Cash started all four of Poland's matches, including their round of 16 game against France.
Despite Poland's elimination, Cash's performances were solid, and he gained valuable experience at the highest level of international football.Cash's decision to represent Poland has been mutually beneficial. For Cash, it has provided the opportunity to play international football and participate in major tournaments. For Poland, they have gained a Premier League-quality right-back who brings experience from one of the world's top leagues.
As of 2024, Cash has become an integral part of the Polish national team, with his performances in the Premier League for Aston Villa continuing to enhance his reputation on the international stage. His international career, while still relatively young, has already included a World Cup appearance and regular involvement in UEFA Nations League and European Championship qualifying campaigns
Player’s style
Matty Cash's style of play is characterized by his energy, attacking intent, and defensive solidity. As a modern full-back, Cash excels in both defensive and offensive aspects of the game. Defensively, he is known for his tackling ability, positional awareness, and pace, which allows him to recover quickly when caught upfield. Offensively, Cash is a constant threat down the right flank, with his stamina enabling him to make overlapping runs throughout the match.
His crossing ability is a key asset, providing a reliable source of chances for his teammates. Cash's versatility is another notable aspect of his game; he began his career as a midfielder before transitioning to right-back, which explains his comfort on the ball and his ability to contribute in attack. His work rate and determination are evident in every match, making him a favorite among fans and coaches alike.