This season hasn’t started well for anyone at Southampton, but Finn Azaz, a former Middlesbrough midfielder, has been struggling with form.
Southampton has been far from it this season, with 13 games played, 12 points earned, and the search for a new manager well and far underway, much to everyone’s surprise.
The Saints are presently just above the relegation zone and on a three-game losing streak following Will Still’s firing on Sunday evening.
After being relegated from the Premier League last season, the Saints’ parachute payments allowed them to do some good business in the summer, including signing Finn Azaz, who hasn’t lived up to his potential.
After being one of the top performers in the Championship with Middlesbrough over the last year and a half, the Irishman’s performance levels have fallen short of expectations, making Boro’s £15 million charge for their star man appear expensive.
Finn Azaz has yet to live up to expectations in a Saints shirt.
After relocating from the North to the South of England in the summer, Azaz was set to spearhead Southampton’s fast comeback to the Premier League. However, it has been anything but this season.
Everything about the transfer hinted at success, with Southampton presumably obtaining one of the division’s top players, but no one could have predicted the 25-year-old’s precipitous decline. Azaz had his greatest season ever last year, scoring 12 goals and assisting 11 times in 45 league appearances.
This season hasn’t started well for anyone at Southampton, but Finn Azaz, a former Middlesbrough midfielder, has surprisingly struggled to establish form.
With 13 games played, 12 points on the board, and the search for a new manager well and truly on, Southampton has been far from it this season, much to everyone’s surprise.
The Saints are currently just above the relegation zone and on a three-game losing streak following Will Still’s expulsion on Sunday evening.
Following their relegation from the Premier League last season, the Saints’ parachute payments enabled them to do some fine business in the summer, including signing Finn Azaz, who hasn’t lived up to expectations.
After being one of the top performers in the Championship with Middlesbrough over the last year and a half, the Irishman’s performance levels have fallen short of expectations, making Boro’s £15 million charge for their star man appear expensive.
Finn Azaz and Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney have struggled to meet expectations as Saints players.
After relocating from the North to the South of England in the summer, Azaz was set to spearhead Southampton’s fast comeback to the Premier League. However, it has been anything but this season.
Everything about the transfer hinted at success, with Southampton presumably obtaining one of the division’s top players, but no one could have predicted the 25-year-old’s precipitous decline. Azaz had his greatest season ever last year, scoring 12 goals and assisting 11 times in 45 league appearances.
Fast forward nine league games for the Saints, and Azaz has yet to score a goal. Azaz, who was predominantly a 90-minute player for Boro, has struggled to establish himself in the current Southampton side, having only appeared in one full game under former boss Still, against Blackburn.
With Azaz still in the early stages of his playing career on the South Coast, it’s important to remember more than simply the geographical transition the midfielder had to make. However, transitioning to a new system with many staff movements will undoubtedly take some time, as illustrated by the current scenario.
However, Azaz and Southampton must move swiftly or face League One.
Middlesbrough will be delighted to get £15 million for the struggling Finn Azaz.
It’s no surprise that there are questions about the name Finn Azaz this season, given he has yet to establish himself in a Saints jersey. Middlesbrough, on the other hand, will be grateful that they sold him for £15 million at the time, as his qualities have clearly not been missed, with the club sitting comfortably in second place in the Championship.
Middlesbrough fans, on the other hand, got a taste of what Azaz could have brought to Rob Edwards’ team in the first two gameweeks, as the Irish international scored and assisted for his previous club, which is more than he has done for the Saints thus far.
With his future uncertain in the middle of August, Azaz picked up where he left off, and Boro fans can’t help but believe that if Azaz was still on the team, their chances of promotion to the top flight would be a little better.
Azaz’s drop in form has to be attributed to Will Still’s formation, and with the ex-Reims manager now dismissed, it wouldn’t be surprising if Azaz benefits from Sport Republic’s decision, as Still frequently opts for a 3-4-3 formation, which doesn’t naturally suit the 25-year-old as an out-and-out number 10.
Middlesbrough’s £15 million gain from his transfer has allowed them to truly push on this season, with strength in all areas of the game, resulting in a well-rounded team for Edwards to manage. Integrating experience with youth by bringing in Luke Ayling and Callum Brittain as wing-backs was key to their long-term success.
Overall, Boro will be laughing the loudest, having collected £15 million for their main creator, as the vacuum he created was easily filled. They now have their sights set on the Championship’s top spot, but the Saints are working hard to avoid finishing in the bottom three.
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