SAINTS head coach Tonda Eckert claimed there are few football players more professional and dedicated to their game than forward Finn Azaz.
Azaz, 25, is the top scorer in the Championship this season at the club with 11 goals, while he also set up more than his teammates with eight assists.
Saints bought the Republic of Ireland international from Middlesbrough, where he registered two of those contributions, for £12million in August.
West Brom academy ace Azaz hit double figures in goals and assists in each of his last two seasons in the second tier, spending a spell at Plymouth.
Eckert has praised Azaz for emerging as a leader and hopes he will be fit to play Blackburn on Tuesday after taking a knock against Derby County.
“At this part of the season, you always have some minor bits. I think he’s carried a couple of minor bits over the last weeks,” explained Eckert.
Southampton’s Finn Azaz during the Championship match between Southampton and Derby at St Mary’s Stadium. Photo by Stuart Martin.
“You won’t find many players more professional in the way they live, prepare for games, and use every minute of time for recovery and preparation.
“He came back after the international break and already watched the clips that we showed about Arsenal. It’s so professional in everything he does.
“Let’s assess over the next days, but it didn’t seem anything too major.”
Eckert first used Azaz as a substitute in his opening match as boss at QPR in November, but he has started every other league fixture ever since.
Only Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Ryan Manning have played more minutes this season, with Azaz asking Eckert to trust him in every scenario.
Eckert added: “In the end, it comes down to the performance, so you can prepare yourself as much as you want to, in the end, you need to perform.
“He’s been very consistent, has a drive that is so clear and so focused to work for the team and then contribute on the offensive side. A big player for us.”
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