Jonty Banks

Mon 23 January 2023 11:30, UK

Aston Villa loanee Finn Azaz returned from injury with a brace of assists for Plymouth Argyle at the weekend to continue his impressive numbers with the League One leaders.

Azaz suffered a broken right ankle and ligament damage when he was tackled in a win against Shrewsbury Town in October and made his first start since then in the 4-2 win over Cheltenham on Saturday (21 January).

The 22-year-old attacking midfielder is entering the last six months of his contract at Villa Park, so the remainder of this season will be a crucial period in his career if he still harbours intentions of playing in the Premier League.

Despite the injury layoff, the tall, imposing attacker has continued his League One campaign where he left off in October and has signposted himself as one of the most impressive loanees Villa have sent out into the football league this campaign.

Starting just in behind Ryan Hardie in attack, the Villa youngster took just 28 minutes to impact the game with a defence-splitting through ball for the Pilgrims’ number nine to finish off as Steven Schumacher’s side raced into a quick two-goal advantage.

Azaz was once again the provider after the break, putting Callum Wright in on goal to hammer home as Plymouth opened up a three-point gap at the top of League One.

Despite rightly being subbed in the 66th minute due to the risk of further injury, Azaz was one of the standout players on the park on Saturday and is continuing to prove he is a cut above the rest in League One.

After netting six goals and providing a further six in just 17 league appearances this season, it is surely only a matter of time before Villa consider making him a permanent fixture at B6.

The club must sit down with the youngster and gauge his ambitions over the coming years; otherwise, they may risk letting a highly promising talent slip through their grasp.

In other Aston Villa news, a 17-year-old academy prospect has signed his first professional contract with the club.