At 20, Saïd El Mala and Ibrahim Maza possess the firepower to dominate the Rhine derby when Cologne welcome Bayer Leverkusen on Sunday. Who will seize the moment?
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Eighteen months is a long time in football – just ask El Mala and Maza.
In May 2025, Maza had just finished 11th in Bundesliga 2 with Hertha Berlin. And while it was clear he had talent, the second tier was hardly the best platform for him to shine.
Watch: Superdribblers set for Rhine derby dance
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During the season’s second half he cemented his spot, starting every one of Leverkusen’s last 14 league matches. The club’s sixth‑place finish wasn’t due to a lack of effort, and he featured in all four Algerian games at the 2026 World Cup.
Maza’s 2025/26 form earned him a place on the 2026 Ballon d’Or shortlist, securing a Kopa Trophy nomination as Europe’s top youngster and even a vote from Lionel Messi.
This campaign both youngsters faced the task of proving their debut success, and they have delivered.
After renewing his contract this summer – despite Dortmund’s interest – El Mala has already struck four times in his first nine appearances across all competitions.
Effzeh’s record shows they’ve lost only one of the 15 Bundesliga games in which he has scored, and he earned his senior debut under Jürgen Klopp in September. His brother Malek also marked his Cologne debut with a goal against Union Berlin on Matchday 8.
Yet Saïd isn’t finished yet. Only Michael Olise has more dribbles than his 33 this season, but he wins just 39 % of them, and his 17 completed passes per game rank lowest among Cologne players.
Watch: All of El Mala’s Bundesliga goals & assists. The reel captures his latest highlights.
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René Wagner has publicly urged him to involve teammates more, yet he praised Saïd’s huge potential during Dortmund rumours. “I’m glad Saïd is here. He’s a top player, gives his all, leads by example and motivates everyone. That’s why I’m happy he stays – nothing will change.”
Maza has become a vital piece of Carles Martínez’s Leverkusen, starting every Bundesliga match so far. His three goals equal last season’s total, complemented by two assists. Only Patrik Schick has contributed to more league goals among his teammates.
He acts as the team’s creative engine, completing 25 dribbles – more than any other player. Only Harry Kane and Olise have been directly involved in more shots than Maza’s 43.
Wagner (right) publicly praised El Mala (left), insisting more is yet to come. – IMAGO/Gladys Chai von der Laage
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