One unexpected and slightly low key signing over the summer for Aston Villa was West Bromwich Albion youngster Finn Azaz.
The now 21-year-old attacking midfielder, came into Villa extremely highly rated by Academy manager Mark Harrison, who knew him well from his time at the club – the youngster already had great first team experience from a 44 game loan spell at Cheltenham Town the previous season, where he helped them win League Two and promotion.
๐ The Young Player of the Season is @NewportCounty's Finn Azaz. ๐
๐ฑ Follow live: https://t.co/TaGnQDXbbh
๐บ Watch live on the @SkySports app#EFL | #EFLAwards pic.twitter.com/nrVoEkMAE3— Sky Bet League Two (@SkyBetLeagueTwo) April 24, 2022
Upon signing for us, he immediately headed out for more first team experience, moving back to League Two, but this time with Newport County.
2021/22 has turned into another good season for the lad, as to date he had made 35 starts for them, with a further eight showings from the substitutes bench and he’s chipped in with six goals and six assists in their league campaign as they pushed hard for the Play Off spots.
Having had a great campaign for them so far, he was recognised on Sunday evening and voted the League Two Player of the Season, as well as being named in the League Two Team of the Season selection.
Speaking to the Official Site after the event, Azaz beamed.
“It feels really good. It’s been an enjoyable season and when you enjoy your football, you play your best stuff. I’m buzzing – it’s a great thing for my CV and a milestone in my journey. My target was to win it for the season and I’ve done that. I should have got better stats last season but it just so happens that I got them this season. I just tried to keep on scoring and assisting. This year, I’ve had a little bit more freedom with the role that the manager has given me at Newport. It’s been nice to have that freedom to express myself a little bit more.”
Congratulations Finn, given how well he’s done, albeit at a lower level, it’ll be interesting to see what happens to him over the summer as there’s clearly a tidy little player in there.
2022/23 For Azaz
Season At Championship Level
Get Him On The Bench
He's class mate, I live in Bristol now so go down the County games sometimes. He controls every game and creates ridiculously good chances, I keep saying that I want him to go back next season so I can watch him more as we've got too many good options out of the youngsters!
— ameer (@wobblydubs) April 25, 2022
Unreal. His creativity & close control being his two main attributes & are way above League Two level. All he needs to do is work on his finishing, once he does that heโll be a future England international imo.
— BenRJH โซ๏ธ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ท๓ ฌ๓ ณ๓ ฟ๐ (@ExiledBen) April 24, 2022
Good shout TBF. Heโs been class for Newport this season.
— PCM ๐ดโช๏ธ ๐ก๐ข๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐ต๐ฐ ๐ฆ๐บ (@ClemMorfuni) April 24, 2022
Yes @finnazaz โฆ. Fantastic player! Great to see you flying mate ๐๐ป
— Dave Lawrence (@DaveLawrence84) April 25, 2022
@AVFCOfficial future
— joe smith (@JoeSmit07954946) April 25, 2022
championship loan for him next season then
— luke ๐ (@lukewoodyy) April 25, 2022
Can't wait to see him maybe get a run out with the first team in pre-sesson, get him in the window for teams further up the EFL, or better. His year at Newport has gone a bit under the radar but they've been great for each other.
There's a reason we brought both him and Tim in.
— โจ i am very tired โจ (@SlowJamsForever) April 25, 2022
Itโs time ๐ฎ๐ช Calling ๐
— Liam Scahill (@LiamScahill) April 25, 2022
Finniesta ๐
— James. (@TheHolte1874) April 25, 2022
