Southampton manager Will Still has defended Finn Azaz’s impact in the team following his transfer from Middlesbrough last month.
The 25-year-old was the subject of much speculation throughout the summer after a standout campaign at the Riverside Stadium. After scoring 12 times and creating 11 assists, he was said to be the target of a number of clubs, but began the season on Teesside.
The attacking midfielder picked up where he left off, scoring in a 2-1 win over Norwich City in what proved to be his last game for the club. Less than a week later, he made the long journey to the south coast to complete a £12 million move to Southampton.
Azaz has started three games for the Saints thus far but is yet to contribute either a goal or an assist. He was left out of last night’s Carabao Cup clash against Premier League champions Liverpool entirely as Will Still’s team eventually succumbed to an admirable 2-1 defeat.
Still Praises Azaz After Slow Start
The Republic of Ireland international will reunite with his former teammates this weekend when Middlesbrough make the trip to Hampshire. Azaz is expected to return to the fold, with Still praising his latest recruit. Speaking ahead of yesterday’s game against Liverpool, he said:
“By giving him regular playing time and by settling him into a new team for him and a new player for us. I thought on Saturday [3-0 defeat at Hull City], the pass he plays for Damion Downs is perfect.
“That’s exactly what we want, but unfortunately, we didn’t take the chance and we put it wide. But even in the second half, he did find a few interesting positions but we didn’t manage to find him.
“But again, it’s like a work in progress from what we were doing. I think the improvement compared to the other lot, Pompey, was better in terms of occupation of space and possession. But we don’t want possession just for possession. I know the stats are saying the opposite, but it’s just keeping at it.
“We need to keep painting different pictures where players can identify themselves too. And that’s where we’re at.”
Writer’s View
All players find themselves under scrutiny when they move for a big fee and Finn Azaz is no different. Southampton are a team out of form at the moment, so he isn’t the only player underperforming. He’s played just three games and his ability will eventually shine through. Perhaps coming up against his former club will provide just the tonic.
