Aston Villa's Donyell Malen has achieved a strange stat while on international duty(Image: Cody Froggatt/PA Wire)

One Aston Villa star has achieved a rather bizarre statistic while out on international duty, something that he himself is trying to get his head around, admitting he has “no idea how that’s possible”.

Villa forward and Netherlands international Donyell Malen has admitted he is still trying to understand an unusual personal record during his time in an orange shirt, scoring more goals as a substitute than when starting.

Now back with the squad for the international break, the 26-year-old confessed his surprise at the strange stat, saying to Dutch outlet Voetbal Primeur: “I have no idea how that’s possible.

“But I think it does mean I’m mentally strong, because of course, it’s not fun to be on the bench.

Donyell Malen is prolific off the bench for The Netherlands(Image: Getty Images)

“Sometimes you get disappointed. But when you’re not playing, you have to be ready to help your teammates and the team. I think I’ve managed that well so far.”