Ibrahim Maza on Wirtz ties, Leverkusen aims and Berlin roots

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

Maza: “I’ve seen it a few times online. Honestly, his was more impressive – he scored it himself. Mine wasn’t bad either, thanks to Schick’s finish. 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: “There’s always room to get better. Last season my stats lagged – few assists, few goals. This year I’m pushing for more strikes and assists, and I feel the trajectory is right. Defensively, an attacking player can still tighten up.”

Florian Wirtz of Germany and Liverpool is often likened to Maza. – IMAGO/Bahho Kara

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

Maza: “Playing with a veteran scorer like Schick is special. Our chemistry deepens each match; he often guides me. You can see his experience – perfect box positioning, smart runs. It’s a privilege to share the field with him.”

Maza and Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick share an almost telepathic link. – IMAGO/Axel Kohring

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

Maza: “I trained a lot with my dad as a kid. After regular sessions he’d stay late, sometimes until 8 p.m., and we’d head downstairs to a tiny area.”

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

Maza: “He was there at every youth game, camera in hand, recording everything. After each match we’d sit down for a long analysis. His effort paid off, clearly.”

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

Maza: “The coolest spot was a pitch we called ‘Gösche’, probably in Wittenau. Behind the main field was a smaller one for four‑on‑four or five‑on‑five games.”

“Every summer weekend we fielded six teams of five. Winners stayed on, playing short bursts until someone netted two. You’d line up shouting ‘I’m next!’ and battle players of all ages.”

Maza broke through at Hertha Berlin, tallying 51 league appearances. – IMAGO/HMB Media/Claus

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

Maza: “My aim is to lift a trophy this year. We entered the campaign targeting the Europa League, hopefully the DFB Cup, and a Champions League spot. For my money, Leverkusen’s best chance lies in my creativity.”

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

Maza: “Playing for my roots, honoring my father’s heritage, is huge. I want to win the Africa Cup of Nations and help us qualify for future World Cups, pushing as far as possible.”

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

Maza: “Winning the Champions League is the ultimate goal. I train with Lucas Vázquez, a five‑time winner, and we’ve grilled him on it. Will I lift that trophy one day?”