Aston Villa got off to a sensational start to their 2024/25 Premier League campaign with a 2-1 victory over West Ham.
This tie was no doubt a difficult one for Unai Emery, however, goals from Amadou Onana and Jhon Duran ensured victory.
Many of Villa’s new signings also made their first competitive appearances for the Claret and Blue, with Onana announcing himself quickly to the away fans with a goal four minutes in.
Alongside the midfielder, Ian Maatsen and Kosta Nedeljkovic made their debuts for Villa while Jaden Philogene made his second debut for the Birmingham outfit after his spell at Hull City last season.
However, on top of making his debut for the club, Nedeljkovic was lucky enough to reach an incredible milestone for the Villians and go down in the history books.
Kosta Nedeljkovic becomes Aston Villa’s 1000th player
Despite signing last summer, Nedeljkovic did not make an appearance for Villa in the 2023/24 campaign. Instead, the defender was sent out on loan to his former club Red Star Belgrade until the season’s end.
Upon returning to the club in pre-season, the Serbian has impressed and is now set to be part of the squad for the current campaign.
Going into the West Ham tie, 996 players had represented the Claret and Blue. Onana became 997th as he started the match.
Maatsen and Philogene then followed from the bench before Nedeljkovic came on in the 82nd minute to become the club’s 1000th player.
Read more: How Nedeljkovic performed for Red Star Belgrade last season.
A proud moment for Kosta Nedeljkovic
While the 18-year-old’s debut was always going to be remembered fondly by the player, he will now go down in the history books for the club.
Thankfully, the right-back was able to see out the victory to ensure that he had a winning start to his Villa career.
Emery no doubt sees the potential in the youngster, and with him also already having Champions League experience, he can no doubt play a big role in this campaign.
