Maza: “Wirtz is a legend, but I aim to build my own career”
Algerian international Ibrahim Maza has stated that he aims to establish his unique career in football, away from comparisons with German star Florian Wirtz, who moved from Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool in the summer of 2025.
Wirtz's departure to the Reds coincided with Maza's arrival at Leverkusen from Hertha Berlin, leading German media to speculate that the Algeria player would be the successor to the German international.
Regarding this comparison, Maza expressed great respect for Wirtz, who previously shone at Bayer Leverkusen, but insisted on his desire to build his own career.
The Algerian international said during an interview with the official website of the Bundesliga: “Wirtz is a fantastic player and a true legend at Bayer Leverkusen... I am working on shaping my own path and being a player in my own style.”
He added: “I think our styles are a bit different, but it’s great to follow in the footsteps of such a great player. I hope that one day I can reach his level and achieve his accomplishments.”
On the comparison between his dribble leading to teammate Patrik Schick's goal against Freiburg and Wirtz's previous goal against the same team, Maza clarified: “I have seen the comparisons online several times. Honestly, I think Wirtz's moment was more exciting because he scored the goal himself as well.”
The standout player for Algeria in the German league concluded: “My moment wasn’t bad either, but fortunately Schick was there to score. But in the end, Wirtz remains Wirtz.”
