Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder James Milner marked a great personal achievement on Wednesday night by making his 653rd Premier League appearance during the Seagulls’ 1-0 defeat against Aston Villa at Villa Park.
The 40-year-old player, who has had a long career, came off the bench in the first half to replace Carlos Baleba, which made him level with ex-Villa and Man City midfielder Gareth Barry for the number of times a player has featured in the top flight. Milner’s career has been praised by many, and Brighton’s head coach Fabian Hürzeler pointed to the veteran’s professionalism and great influence on the team as some of his key qualities.
“James is having a special day, ” Hürzeler stated. “That he is still playing in the Premier League is no coincidence. We are lucky to have him around us and as an example.”Unfortunately, the highlight of the event was a loss, with Jack Hinshelwood getting the ball into his net in the 86th minute to doom the Seagulls to defeat.
Of Milner’s record-tying 653 appearances, 435 were in the starting line-ups and 218 off the bench. Winner of the Premier League with both Manchester City and Liverpool, he has taken part in 15 matches this season, mainly as a substitute.
Milner began his career at Leeds United back in 2002, and he would break the record himself if he gets to play in Brighton’s next Premier League match against Brentford this month.
