FINN AZAZ was shown the way to the top by Phil Foden.
And the Middlesbrough midfielder hopes to join Manchester City’s England superstar in the Premier League next year by completing an EFL hat-trick of promotions.
Azaz, 24, went up from League Two with Cheltenham in 2021 and then League One in 2023 at Plymouth — who Boro visit today.
And he can keep his biennial promotion streak going by helping Middlesbrough into the Prem.
During his stint at Cheltenham he played against Foden in the 2020-21 FA Cup — and the Robins gave Pep Guardiola’s stars a fright, leading through an Alfie May goal until the 81st minute.
But late strikes from Foden, Gabriel Jesus and Ferran Torres spared City’s blushes.
Azaz admits that match taught him a lesson. He said: “I’ve always wanted to play in the Premier League but that day showed me the gap I had to bridge if I was ever going to make it.
“I did well and realised that although these are guys you’re watching every week on TV, they’re just normal people when playing them.
“But it was an eye-opener. Foden was wearing moulds and the pitch was terrible that day. Yet he showed incredible balance.
“I never get cramps — but that day I did! All that taught me I must do a lot better if I want to reach that level. That was my first season playing men’s football and to win League Two was special.
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“I grew so much as a person and the manager Michael Duff showed so much trust to play me.”
Azaz — who did not play a competitive game for Aston Villa in three years there — was on loan at Argyle 12 months ago, where he scored 15 goals and made 15 assists in 67 games.
And he has had a fantastic 2024 since deciding to join Michael Carrick’s Boro in January for £2million.
Not only has he been a key cog for the Teessiders — reflected by him winning the Sky Bet Championship player of the month for November — but he has broken into the Republic of Ireland team too.
He said: “I find it hard to reflect on a year while you’re still in the moment.
“I came here to help get this team promoted but we weren’t able to do that last season — so that’s the target come May. That’s all I’m thinking about.
“And with the Republic of Ireland, the goal is to reach the 2026 World Cup. So everything is a work in progress.”
He says his game has kicked on since moving to the Riverside, with 14 goal contributions this season (six goals, eight assists) — only Norwich’s Borja Sainz has more (15 goals, two assists) in the Championship.
Plus he is one of only two players with five goals and five assists in the division, along with Sheffield United’s Gustavo Hamer. His assist tally is the most in the division.
And he credits Carrick as a huge influence.
The former Manchester United, West Ham, Tottenham and England ace has slowly got Boro moving in the right direction since taking over two years ago — and holds an impressive 50 per cent win record.
Azaz explained: “The manager is detailed and the tempo of the sessions is unreal. You must be on it all the time.
“He has made sure everyone knows their job and what is expected of them in training. There is a lot of trust from players to management.
“The boss demands high standards but he’s also calm in his approach. The way he explains things I really like.
“Every manager I’ve worked with has been different but from an experience point of view from playing, he’s far and away the best.”
Azaz believes the team spirit at the Riverside has been particularly impressive, with a strong bond among his team-mates.
He added: “We’re always doing stuff together. We have a pool table, two table tennis tables and darts at the training ground.
“You will still see some of the players shooting pool at 4pm. Most changing rooms I’ve been involved in want to get off but here people stay.
“Dan Barlaser is a good pool player — but I’ve got his number. I’m decent, I take my time and it frustrates the opponent.”
Azaz has an interesting family background — son of an Israeli mother and an Irish father.
He enjoys visiting Israel and said: “I love doing all the cultural stuff. I’ve been to Jerusalem and gone to the desert.
“But Tel Aviv is my favourite. It’s such a vibrant city. The beaches are unreal.”
Azaz has already made a New Year’s resolution: “To be present in 2025.”
He could well be so — in the Premier League.
