With Middlesbrough struggling to win games in the Championship, playmaker Finn Azaz is also suffering from a lack of form.
Azaz has not scored a goal since December 26, when he scored twice and assisted against Sheffield Wednesday. Middlesbrough’s problems have coincided with the ex-Aston Villa player’s decline in form. The club’s last victory came on December 14 against Millwall, when he assisted.
Azaz’s influence has decreased as the team’s overall performance has dipped, raising questions about whether his previous run was a sign of actual top-tier potential or just a purple patch.
Finn Azaz backed to return to fine form with Middlesbrough
Jasper Hudson, FLW’s Middlesbrough fan commentator, discussed Azaz’s recent performances and long-term chances.
Azaz is expected to recapture his best form in the coming weeks, which comes at a critical moment for Boro, who are struggling for goals and wins.
“It’s been a difficult season for Finn Azaz,” Jasper told the FLW.
“At first, he was playing well but not getting the goals and assists he deserved, but then he went on a run, scoring and assisting numerous times. And, as the team has fallen off, so has he.
“He’s been struggling lately, and it’s difficult to pinpoint the reason.
“Doak’s absence, as well as the variety and change, may have hampered results. But I believe the team is also failing to attack, to get the ball to him in situations where he has room and can turn in half-spaces to find passes to forward players.
“Because we’re on a horrible run of form, we’re having trouble getting the ball into him in certain situations, and he’s having to press his game a little more to compensate. He doesn’t have the ball as much or get as many chances now.”
“I think long term, he’ll still be a top Championship number 10, and get plenty of goals and assists throughout the season and going forward.”
| Finn Azaz’s Middlesbrough FC Stats (As Per Fotmob) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 2023/24 | 20 | 4 | 5 |
| 2024/25 | 33 | 8 | 9 |
When questioned if Azaz could follow in Morgan Rogers’ footsteps and become a well-established Premier League player in the future, Jasper was unsure of the offensive midfielder’s top-level ability.
“I doubt he will ever follow in Morgan Rogers’ footsteps. “I just don’t think he has the ceiling for that,” Jasper said.
“However, Morgan Rogers struggled at first. So, no matter how excellent a footballer is, they will experience both high and terrible phases.
“I support Finn Azaz. I believe he has demonstrated it enough times, and the quality is there. It’s clear to see.
“He will turn things around, whether it is this season, a new manager, or Ben Doak’s return. But he’s already demonstrated that he’s on the level. He simply needs to get back to that level and attempt to sustain it.”
Finn Azaz’s decline matches Middlesbrough’s recent collapse in form
Azaz’s decline reflects Middlesbrough’s overall attacking problems.
Boro are currently 11th in the Championship league after losing their last five matches and winning only two of their previous 12. The Irish midfielder’s failure to affect games is a contributing factor.
Since his spectacular performance against Sheffield Wednesday on Boxing Day, he has not contributed to the team’s goals.
As pressure rises at the Riverside and worries about Carrick’s future surface, Azaz’s performance mirrors Boro’s season, with early promise giving way to frustration and inconsistency.
However, as Hudson says, the midfielder’s proven quality provides optimism for recovery, whether through tactical changes, the return of key people such as Doak, or maybe new management if results continue to decline.
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