Southampton star Leo Scienza names the best player in the EFL Championship | OneFootball

Leo Scienza has named the best player in the Championship, with the Southampton forward outlining the quality of one of his teammates...

Southampton smashed Wrexham 5-1 and Leo Scienza did not have to even start for the Saints, with Tonda Eckert's side entering the top six at their opposition's expense.

Having gone 16 games without defeat in all competitions, Southampton are now among the favourites to make the play-offs with six games to go. In fact, their attacking depth is such that they will be backed to win and secure promotion back up at the first time of asking.

Southampton's scorers included many of their best attacking players last night, where the depth is striking: Finn Azaz offers creativity and a goal threat from midfield, while Leo Scienza and Sam Edozie provide flair and width down the left. Tom Fellows adds further dynamism, and the striking options are equally strong.

Cyle Larin and Ross Stewart are the primary centre-forwards, but Cameron Archer has been prolific at this level in previous campaigns. They have a nice blend of physicality, movement, and finishing. For a second tier side, this level of attacking quality is excessive but extremely exciting.

Finn Azaz named Championship's best player by Southampton forward Leo Scienza

The current options at Eckert's disposal give Southampton immense tactical flexibility and the ability to rotate without weakening their frontline dramatically. Scienza, after starring against Arsenal in the FA Cup, was rested on Tuesday night's trip to Wrexham.

He was introduced in the 58th minute, with Southampton going on to secure three further goals. He did not claim a goal or assist in any of them, despite coming on and looking like his electrifying best to end the match.

Azaz stole the headlines, scoring the fifth after assisting the first. The Irishman has 18 goal involvements in the Championship this season, with 16 of those coming for Southampton and two for Middlesbrough, which means only Oli McBurnie, Sorba Thomas, and Zan Vipotnik have more.

Despite Southampton's attacking returns, not one of their players was nominated for Player of the Season. However, Vipotnik has been alongside Femi Azeez, Carl Rushworth, and Hayden Hackney. It seems as though Scienza has reacted to that via his Instagram.

He posted the following on his Instagram story, stating the "best player in the league" is Azaz, Southampton's number 10. The 25-year-old has been one of the most consistent Championship playmakers since his arrival in the division.

No player has contributed to more goals over the last three seasons than Finn Azaz

Azaz had a terrific loan spell with Plymouth Argye back in 2022/23, scoring eight and assisting a further 10 in 39 games in all competitions. Since then, he has had another loan spell with Plymouth before permanently joining Middlesbrough from Aston Villa.

He was only with Boro for a season-and-a-half before his big-money move to Southampton in the summer. However, very few players can say they have contributed to more goals than Azaz in English football's second tier over the last three years.

He has 62 goal contributions (34 goals and 28 assists) in 129 Championship matches. 12 of those came for Plymouth, 34 for Middlesbrough, and 16 for Southampton. That is more than any other player over the last three years as well.

Haji Wright (53), Adam Armstrong (52), and Morgan Whittaker (49) are the next players on that particular list, which highlights just how impressive Azaz is at this level. He has perhaps earned a shot at the top flight now, too.