Southampton fans must accept Finn Azaz for what he is. He is not perfect and he never will be. But he is different.
The one who sees what others cannot
Azaz is the only player in this team who can create something out of nothing. He sees runs before they fully develop and he finds them with passes that others would not even attempt. If you are a striker you want him behind you because he will feed you.
He can arrive late in the box and he does it quietly. Defenders switch off and he drifts into space. Then he finds the corner of the net.
Against QPR, he proved it again. A wonderful strike from distance opened the scoring and settled nerves. Later, he added an assist and reminded everyone what he brings.
Over the last three years in the Championship he has been one of the most creative players in the division. His assist numbers back that up and they are not an accident. Creative players do not grow on trees.
The Jekyll and Hyde reality
But there is another side. Azaz can give the ball away too cheaply and that frustrates supporters. His style is languid and it can look slow because he does not sprint around like others.
Sometimes he appears detached from the chaos of a Championship battle. He will try a risky pass and it will not come off. Groans follow and social media reacts.
That is the Jekyll and Hyde element. He can be brilliant and wasteful in the same half. But difference makers are rarely safe players.
Tonda Eckert defended him and he was right to do so. He praised his character and his humility and his willingness to take responsibility. He even said that if he was a number nine he would love to have him behind him.
Azaz went eight league games without a goal or assist and criticism grew. Then he responded with quality and composure. That is resilience.
Southampton are chasing promotion and they need players who can unlock a tight game. They need someone who can spot a run and execute an exquisite pass. They need someone who can score from outside the box when space opens.
Finn Azaz is that player. He will frustrate you and he will win you games. Saints fans must accept both because that is what a difference maker looks like.