Aznou could have been a source of at least mutual short-term benefit
With both Die Roten’s first and second-choice left-backs (Alphonso Davies and Hiroki Ito) not expected to suit up for competitive action before November due to long-term injuries, Aznou was a valid option to share left-back duties with Raphael Guerreiro at the start of the upcoming 2025/26 season.
Be that as it may, Kompany has shown a preference to start the versatile Josip Stanisic at left-back ahead of both Guerreiro and Aznou. Considering the lack of healthy bodies and the uncertainty over the futures of both right-back-Sacha Boey and center-back-Kim Min-jae, it wouldn’t have been irrational to have Stanisic more focused on defensive duties centrally and on the right.
Stanisic hasn’t been a liability at left-back, but playing him as a starter in his weakest position just doesn’t add up when a player like Aznou could have been poised for a breakout performance over the first half of the upcoming season.