From playing street football in Berlin to becoming one of the Bundesliga’s most exciting young talents, Ibrahim Maza has enjoyed a remarkable rise. In a new interview, the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder lifts the lid on his fine start to the new season, and what he one day hopes to achieve in the game.

Bundesliga: You produced a brilliant piece of skill in the build-up to Patrik Schick's goal against Freiburg, which drew comparisons with Florian Wirtz. How do you feel about the comparison to him?

Ibrahim Maza: “Flo is an incredible player, a real Bayer Leverkusen legend. I am still trying to follow my own path and be my own player. I think we are a little different in terms of our playing styles, but of course, it is nice to be able to follow in the footsteps of such a great player. I hope that one day I can play at his level and achieve that.”

Bundesliga: Have you seen the comparisons between your contribution against Freiburg and Wirtz’s goal against the same opposition?

Maza: “I have seen it online a few times. Honestly, I thought his was even more impressive. He also scored the goal himself. Mine was not bad either, though. Fortunately, Schick was there and scored it. But yes, Flo is Flo.”

Watch: Maza the next big name in the making?

Bundesliga: Have you seen the comparisons between your contribution against Freiburg and Wirtz’s goal against the same opposition?

Maza: “I have seen it online a few times. Honestly, I thought his was even more impressive. He also scored the goal himself. Mine was not bad either, though. Fortunately, Schick was there and scored it. But yes, Flo is Flo.”

Bundesliga: How do you feel you have developed since joining Leverkusen, and where would you still like to improve?

Maza: “You can always improve everything, I think. Last year, I felt I was quite poor statistically, in terms of assists, goals and things like that. I am trying to do a little better this year and score more goals and provide more assists. I think I am on a good path and hope to maintain that progress. Defensively, there is always room for improvement as an attacking player, too.”

Germany and Liverpool star Florian Wirtz is a player Maza is frequently compared to. - IMAGO/Bahho Kara

Bundesliga: Your understanding with Schick seems to be getting better with every game. What is it like playing alongside him?

Maza: “Of course, it is something very special to play with such a great player who has so much experience and has scored so many goals. I think we understand each other better and better with every game. He often tries to help me as well. You can see his experience because he always seems to be in the right position in the box, makes good runs, and everything. Of course, it is great to play alongside him.”

Maza has struck up a telepathic understanding with Leverkusen forward Patrik Schick. - IMAGO/Axel Kohring

Bundesliga: You can play in several different positions across midfield and attack - where do you feel most comfortable?

Maza: “I think the position where I feel most comfortable is the number 10 role, in the 4-2-3-1 formation we have been playing. I can also play as an eight or a six, as well as on the left, where I have played a few times, or on the right, a little more as an inverted winger. I feel comfortable everywhere. I just want to do my thing wherever I play. 

Bundesliga: How important has head coach Carles Martínez been to Leverkusen's development this season?

Maza: “He is a really great coach. He lives and breathes everything he does. You can see it on the pitch, how much he gets upset about a move or celebrates a goal. He helps us tactically a lot. He also gets along well with almost every player, if not everyone.

Carles Martínez became Leverkusen's head coach over the summer, joining the club from Toulouse. - IMAGO/Eibner-Pressefoto/Scott Coleman

Bundesliga: Your father played an important role in your development as a young footballer. What do you remember about training with him?

Maza: “I also trained a lot with my father when I was young. He would often train with me after regular training, even when we got home late, sometimes at 8 p.m. We would go downstairs to a small area.

Bundesliga: He also used to record your matches and analyse them with you. What was that like?

Maza: “He did a lot for me. When I was in the youth teams, he was always at every game with a camera and recorded every match. After every game, I had to go home, and we would do a little analysis together. It was really long. He put a lot of effort into it, and fortunately, it has paid off so far.”

Bundesliga: You grew up playing street football in Berlin. What are your favourite memories from those days?

Maza: “The coolest thing was a pitch we always called ‘Gösche’. I think it was somewhere in Wittenau. There was a football pitch, and behind it there was another small one where you could play four against four or five against five.

“Every weekend in the summer, I think we would have six teams, with five players in each team. The winning team stayed on, and you played for four or five minutes or until someone scored two goals. You had to sign up and say, ‘I’m next, I’m next,’ and then wait in line. It was really cool. You had to fight hard against older and younger players alike.”

Maza first made his name at Hertha Berlin, playing 51 league games for the club overall. - IMAGO/HMB Media/Claus

Bundesliga: Despite your talent, you initially struggled for playing time in Hertha Berlin’s academy. Why was that?

Maza: “There were different reasons. The explanations I was often given were that I was too short or too slim. I was always good with the ball because I was constantly playing football, but physically, I was not as developed as the others.

"The players who were a few years older or physically stronger were often preferred because they were more athletic. Eventually, I grew taller and stronger, and fortunately, I was able to do even more with the ball. That is how I managed to establish myself.”

Maza represented Algeria at the FIFA World Cup 2026. - IMAGO/Tayfun Coskun

Bundesliga: What are your main ambitions with Leverkusen this season?

Maza: “My goals are definitely to win a trophy this year. We all came into the season with the ambition of winning the UEFA Europa League, hopefully the DFB Cup as well, and of course, qualifying for the Champions League. I think playing in the UEFA Champions League is every footballer’s dream.”

Bundesliga: What does representing Algeria mean to you, and what would you like to achieve with the national team?

Maza: “It means a lot to me to be able to play for my roots, for my blood, so to speak, through my father. It is a great honour to represent this country. We have a big goal. I definitely want to win the Africa Cup of Nations with them. Of course, I also want us to qualify for the next World Cups and go as far as possible.

Bundesliga: Finally, what is the biggest dream you still want to fulfil in your career?

Maza: “Winning the Champions League. Yes, definitely. It is a dream target. I play with Lucas Vázquez, who won it five times. We have already grilled him with questions about it. Winning it would be incredible.”