Araz Abdullayev

Araz Abdulla oğlu Abdullayev is an Azerbaijani midfielder of Neftchi Baku, who can perform both as a left and right winger. He is a player of the Azerbaijan national U-21 team and the senior national squad. Araz was born in Baku, Azerbaijan.

His career took off in 2007 in the Neftchi Baku reserve team. In 2008 he was put in the first team and represented his club in the Top Division of Azerbaijan. The midfielder’s début came in the match against MOIK Baku on 5 October 2008. Araz made five appearances for Neftchi and scored a great goal during his first season, though he was only 16 years old at the time.

In the winter 2010 Abdullayev went on a trial to FC Rubin Kazan, but the club did not offer him a transfer. However, in a year, on 7 January 2011, the Azerbaijani footballer singed for famous English side Everton. Right after that he returned to his native Neftchi, this time on loan. Araz took part in 15 matches of the temporary team and netted three goals. In December 2011 he went on loan to Greek side Panionios and made eight appearances for it. In 2012 he made a return to native Neftchi.

Abdullayev was capped for the Azerbaijan national U-17 and U-19 teams. From 2008 he has been playing for the national U-21 squad.

On 11 October 2008, Araz made his début for the senior Azerbaijan national team in the 2010 Mundial qualification game against the Finland national squad. Thereby, he became the youngest footballer ever to come on the pitch for Azerbaijan, as Abdullayev was 16 years and 176 days old. The midfielder’s team lost 1-0 though. The player was capped for the national squad another two times after his début (correct as of July 2012).