FINN AZAZ was shown the way to the top by Phil Foden.

And the Middlesbrough midfielder hopes to join Manchester City England Premier League superstar next year by completing a EFL triple promotions.

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Azaz, 24, went from League Two with Cheltenham in 2021 then League 1 in 2023 to Plymouth – who Boro visits today.

And he can continue his biennial promotion streak by helping Middlesbrough in the Prem.

During his time at Cheltenham, he played against Foden in the 2020-21 season. FA Cup – and the Robins gave Pep Guardiola’s stars a scare, leading through an Alfie May goal until the 81st minute.

But Foden’s late strikes, Gabriel Jesus And Ferran Torres spared City’s blushes.

Azaz admits this match taught him a lesson. He said: “I always wanted to play in the Premier League, but that day showed me the gap I needed to close if I was ever to get there.

“I did well and realized that even though these are guys you watch every week on TV, they’re just normal people when you play them.

“But it opened my eyes. Foden wore molds and the pitch was awful that day. However, he showed incredible balance.

“I’ve never had cramps, but that day I did! All of this has taught me that I need to do much better if I want to reach this level. It was my first season for the men. soccer and winning League 2 was special.

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“I’ve grown so much as a person and manager Michael Duff has shown so much confidence to play me.”

Azaz — who has not played a competitive game for Villa Aston in three years there — was on loan to Argyle 12 months ago, where he scored 15 goals and made 15 assists in 67 games.

And he has had a fantastic 2024 since deciding to join Michael Carrick’s Boro in January for £2m.

Not only has he been a key cog for the Teessiders – as evidenced by his Sky Bet win Championship player of the month for November – but he broke into the Republic of Ireland the team too.

He said: “I find it hard to reflect on a year when you’re still in the present moment.

“I came here to help promote this team, but we couldn’t do that last season – so that’s the target in May. That’s all I think about.

“And with the Republic of Irelandthe goal is to reach the 2026 World Cup. So everything is a work in progress.

He says his game has taken off since arriving at Riverside, with 14 goals this season (six goals, eight assists) – only Norwich’s Borja Sainz has more (15 goals, two assists) in the league.

Additionally, he is one of only two players to have five goals and five assists in the division, with Sheffield United. Gustavo Hamer. His assist total is the highest in the division.

And he credits Carrick as a huge influence.

The old Manchester United, Western HamThe Tottenham and England ace has slowly moved Boro in the right direction since taking over two years ago – and holds an impressive 50 per cent winning record.

Azaz explained: “The manager is detailed and the pace of the sessions is unreal. You have to be on it all the time.

“He made sure everyone knew their job and what was expected of them in training. There is great confidence from the players in the management.

“The boss has high demands but is also calm in his approach. I really like the way he explains things.

“Every manager I have worked with has been different, but from a playing experience point of view he is by far the best.”

Azaz believes the team spirit at Riverside has been particularly impressive, with a strong bond between his teammates.

He added: “We always do things together. We have a pool table, two tables tennis tables and darts on the training ground.

“You will still see some players shooting pool at 4 p.m. Most locker rooms I’ve been in want to come down, but here people stay.

“Dan Barlaser is a good pool player, but I have his number. I’m correct, I take my time and that frustrates the opponent.

Azaz has an interesting family background: son of an Israeli mother and an Irish father.

He enjoys visiting Israel and said: “I love doing anything cultural. I went to Jerusalem and went into the desert.

“But Tel Aviv is my favorite. It’s such a vibrant city. The beaches are unreal.

Azaz has already made a New Year’s resolution: “Be there in 2025.”

He just might be – in the Premier League.