Aston Villa defender Kosta Nedeljkovic [Credit: Imago]
Aston Villa defender Kosta Nedeljkovic [Credit: Imago]

Nedeljkovic conversation needed after what happened in Aston Villa v RB Leipzig

Josh Edwards

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior sports journalist with experience at FanHub and the Sunderland Echo; Sunderland University graduate. FOCUS Transfer analysis and breaking news across the Breaking Media network. THE INSIGHT Josh utilises a network of club and industry contacts to deliver verified, first-to-market transfer reporting. He provides the deal detail behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

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Kosta Nedeljkovic was poor for Aston Villa against Leipzig when introduced as a second-half substitute on Tuesday evening.

The Villans secured a crucial 3-2 victory in the Champions League on 10 December, with Ross Barkley scoring the winner against Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig.

Nedeljkovic was introduced in the 71st minute, replacing Matty Cash, but his performance was nothing short of disappointing and Villa have a serious conversation to be had with the Serbian defender.

Kosta Nedeljkovic not ready to have an impact at Aston Villa

There is no doubt that there is a player in Nedeljkovic and, with him being just 18 years old, he has a lot of potential.

However, for Villa right now, potential isn't enough and they need players able to contribute positively in the present and he doesn't appear to have the facilities to do so.

According to FotMob, the Serb attempted just six passes against Leipzig and misplaced one of them.

His lack of willingness to get on the ball completely removed any threat Villa could provide down the right flank, which made it far easier for Leipzig to deal with.

One attempted dribble ended in failure for Nedeljkovic, with the full-back disposed when in possession.

Perhaps known more for his defensive abilities, he also underperformed in that regard. He was involved in three defensive duels and won zero per cent of those while being dribbled past on two occasions.

Kosta Nedeljkovic
Aston Villa defender Kosta Nedeljkovic(credit: Imago)

Nedeljkovic made just one recovery run in the encounter, meanwhile, and failed to contribute in any other defensive area.

His performance shouldn't see him written off completely, but his immediate future at the club needs to be considered and a loan switch may be the best bet.

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