Finn Azaz labelled ‘fantastic’ by Dean Smith as Aston Villa ace shines on loan

Follow us on Google Discover

Dean Smith has been impressed by Finn Azaz’s ‘fantastic’ form on loan at Plymouth Argyle with the Aston Villa youngster catching the eye away from his Premier League employers, speaking to the Not the Top 20 YouTube channel.

One of a number of talented youngsters who made the short trip across the Midlands from West Brom to Bodymoor Heath – like Louis Barry and Tim Iroegbunam – Smith did not get many chances to take a closer look at Azaz.

The Republic of Ireland U21 international departed on loan to Newport County shortly after arriving at Villa in the summer of 2021. Smith was replaced by Steven Gerrard a few months later.

At 22, it remains to be seen if Azaz manages to force his way into the first-team picture under current boss Unai Emery. Even if he does fall short of Premier League standards, the silky forward looks destined for an excellent career in the EFL.

He was League Two’s Young Player of the Year in 2021/22. 12 months on, he has contributed seven goals and eight assists for the Plymouth cause as Steven Schumacher’s side close in on promotion to the Championship.

Aston Villa starlet Finn Azaz starring on loan at Plymouth Argyle

“I didn’t get to see an awful lot of Finn,” Smith says. “Finn signed for Villa from West Brom. Mark Harrison was the academy director who had also been at West Brom, and obviously saw the talent in Finn.

“Finn had a full season on loan at Newport and did really well there. He’s having a fantastic season again this year.”

You can say that again.

Azaz does not play every minute at Home Park but, when he does feature, he almost always makes an impact.

“Young player of the year in League Two. EFL Team of the season. I went to watch him a couple of times this year and he has been excellent,” Republic of Ireland U21 coach Jim Crawford said in 2022.

“He is an attacking midfielder. He picks those pockets of space. It’s not like he gets attracted to the ball. He is a real mature player and, above all, he can score goals.”