Germany: Even without touching the ball, Maza proves to be decisive! (Video)

Oct 10, 2026

Back at Bayer Leverkusen after his injury with Algeria, Ibrahim Maza quickly made his presence felt. During the match against Mainz, the young midfielder executed a play that perfectly illustrates his tactical intelligence.

Ibrahim Maza wasted no time reminding everyone why his vision of the game receives such praise. Having been substituted due to injury during his match with Algeria against Niger, the attacking midfielder returned to Bayer Leverkusen, reclaiming a starting spot against Mainz. His comeback was marked by a high-quality action, even without touching the ball.

It all starts in midfield. As Leverkusen builds their attack, Maza positions himself perfectly between the two opposing lines, in a zone that is difficult to defend. His movement immediately draws attention and provides a passing option. A teammate then attempts a powerful vertical pass in his direction, but the Algerian had already anticipated the next move before the ball even reached him.

At the last moment, Maza opens his legs and deliberately lets the ball pass between his feet. A feint without control that instantly eliminates the opposing midfielder and turns the pass into a genuine through ball for Patrik Schick. Launched behind the defense, the Czech forward finds himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper and wins his duel to score the goal that makes it 2-0.

This action perfectly illustrates Maza's profile. Peripheral vision, reading movements, timing, and understanding of space: everything is executed in a split second. Without any control or assist to his name, the Algerian nonetheless played a crucial role in this goal. A further testament to his ability to make a difference with the ball, but also without touching it.

DZfoot