Finn Azaz has been a whirlwind signing for Middlesbrough since joining in January 2024 for an undisclosed fee from Aston Villa.
The attacking midfielder made his impact quickly with nine goal contributions in his 20 games in the 23/24 season.
His first goal for Boro was a stunning long-range strike against Preston North End in a 2-1 loss on 14 February, 2024.
Azaz quickly became a fans’ favourite at Boro and earned his first call-up for the Irish national team in March 2024, making his debut against Switzerland.
The 2024/25 season may have been a bit lacklustre for Boro but for the Irishman heās had a career-best with 10 goals and 11 assists in 38 games so far and has lit up the Riverside Stadium on occasion.
His best run of form was during the month of November where he registered five goals and four assists in five games , winning the Player of the Month award.
Craig Johns, Teesside Live Middlesbrough FC writer, spoke to TUXtra about Azaz’s contribution.
“He has been a key link throughout the season between Boroās midfield and attack.” he said. “The biggest improvement from Azaz this season has undoubtedly been in his end product.
“With 10 goals and 11 assists, you canāt argue with those numbers. He is, as things stand, the only Championship player with double figures for both. It says everything about his importance to Michael Carrickās side.”
Azaz, who had an impressive time at Plymouth Argyle before joining Boro, has now established himself on the international scene. He made two starts against Bulgaria in Irelandās Nations League relegation play-offs, in which he scored his first goal in the first leg for his country and assisted a fantastic goal for Evan Ferguson in the second leg.
At only 24, Azaz still has a big career ahead of him and hopefully he continues his fine form to help Boro sneak into the play-off spots.
