Arsenal legend and ex-Middlesbrough star Ray Parlour says that Boro's Finn Azaz "has to continue" his strong run of form amid the club's battle for a play-off spot.
Azaz has more goal contributions than any of his teammates in the Championship so far this term, having produced a strong return of five goals and seven assists in 16 league appearances.
Finn Azaz Championship stats as of 29/11
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He is in prolific form right now, and bagged two goals and two assists as Michael Carrick's side dismantled Oxford United 6-2 last Saturday, while he also notched an assist and two goals as the North East outfit hammered Luton Town 5-1 prior to the international break.
However, the Ireland international missed out on the action through illness as Boro suffered a 1-0 defeat to Blackburn Rovers on Wednesday night, and Carrick will hope that his star man will be available for Saturday lunchtime's encounter with Hull City.
Parlour makes Middlesbrough, Azaz admission
Finn Azaz & Ben Doak celebrate Middlesbrough goal
Football League World asked the former England international if Boro will feel they did well to sign Azaz from Aston Villa for a fee of around £2m.
Parlour told Football League World, via NetBet Online Casino: "Absolutely.
"It is, though, all about consistency.
"It’s OK doing it for a short period, but as we know, the Championship is tough, with so many games.
"Azaz has to continue his good form and with plenty of points available over the next few weeks, Boro must continue to pick up wins to cement a top 6 position and make a gap between them and those challenging.
"It was a good signing indeed from Villa and this is what Boro need to do more of if they are going to challenge for promotion."
Parlour's claim regarding Azaz consistency is spot on
Conway and Azaz
Azaz is undeniably a talented individual who has produced an impressive return of 12 goal contributions in 16 Championship outings so far this season.
However, it is worth noting that eight of those goals and assists have come in his last three games, while he did not score his first of the campaign until late October.
There is no denying that, right now, the former Plymouth Argyle man is one of the most in form players in the second tier, but he must show that he can do it on a regular basis.
Amid a congested and highly competitive Championship season, it would arguably be more valuable for Boro if Azaz could chip in with goals and assists on a regular basis throughout the campaign, rather than going on a run of five games without producing a goal contribution, as seen across September and early October, before entering his ludicrous purple patch of late in which he has made 10 goal contributions in his last six games.
But if the Ireland international is able to retain his current prolific form for an extended period of time, then he could provide serious competition for the likes of Norwich ace Borja Sainz, and West Brom hotshot Josh Maja in the race for the Championship golden boot, while also remaining the second tier's top assist maker.
If Azaz can produce that kind of extraordinary season, then Boro's chances of landing a play-off spot will remain very high, but if he endures another less fruitful spell in the final third, as seen earlier in the season, then Carrick and co could face an uphill battle in the race for the top-six.
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