Finn Azaz was described as the star player 'single-handedly keeping Middlesbrough in the promotion battle' as he was put in a Championship team of the season so far.

Azaz has enjoyed a stellar campaign for Boro so far. With eight goals and nine assists so far, he is tied with Borja Sainz of Norwich City for most goal contributions in the second tier this term. And only Watford's Giorgi Chakvetadze has created more chances than him (57 to Azaz's 56).

As the Championship campaign passed the halfway mark over the festive period, Sky Sports pundits Luke Chambers and Curtis Davies were asked to compile their respective Team of the Seasons ahead of Boro's win over Hull City on New Year's Day. Finn Azaz was picked by both former players, and was the only Boro player in either side.

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With Curtis Davies subsequently agreeing and calling Azaz's inclusion a 'no-brainer', former Nottingham Forest and Ipswich Town defender Chambers explained his Azaz choice, telling Sky Sports: "Finn Azaz has eight goals and nine assists - he is single-handedly keeping Boro in that play-off picture.

"He and Latte Lath have got a fantastic relationship and I think he's been unbelievable. I think it was another great bit of business for Michael Carrick to bring him in from Plymouth Argyle last January. He's been fantastic."

While Carrick will always point out how important the whole Boro team are - with other key contributors to Boro's promotion battle this season, including Ben Doak, Tommy Conway and Emmanuel Latte Lath, it's hard to argue that Azaz has been this season's standout star. Winning the Championship Player of the Month in November, he found himself closely monitored throughout December, but still managed two goals and two assists in six appearances.