Verts: Ibrahim Maza talks about his favorite position!

Photo: DZfoot

Ibrahim Maza no longer hides his aspirations, both with Bayer Leverkusen and with Algeria. The young midfielder aims to establish himself among the best in Europe while nurturing great ambitions with the Greens on both the African and global stages.

Ibrahim Maza continues to stand out as one of the prominent representatives of the new Algerian wave. In a detailed interview with the official Bundesliga website, the attacking midfielder of Bayer Leverkusen discussed his role on the field, his club ambitions, but especially what the Algerian jersey means to him. It is a choice he fully embraces and already associates with significant goals.

When asked about his preferred position, the 20-year-old player stated: “I think I feel most comfortable as a number 10, in the 4-2-3-1 formation we are currently using. I can also play as a number 8 or number 6, as well as on the left, where I have played several times, or on the right as a winger who cuts inside. I feel good everywhere. My wish is simply to play my game, no matter where I play.” This versatility has become one of his major assets at Leverkusen.

What is particularly striking is when he speaks about Algeria, Maza becomes the most emotional. “Playing for my roots, for my blood, if I may say so, through my father, means a lot to me. It is a great honor to represent this country. We have an ambitious goal. I absolutely want to win the Africa Cup of Nations with them. Of course, I also hope that we qualify for the next World Cups and go as far as possible.” Very clear ambitions for a player who has already been decisive with the Greens against Zambia during the qualifiers for the 2027 AFCON.

On a personal level, Maza also dreams of reaching the top in Europe: “Winning the Champions League. Yes, without a doubt. It’s a dream goal. I play with Lucas Vázquez, who has won it five times. We have already asked him many questions about it. Winning this title would be incredible.” A few days earlier, after his outstanding performance against Freiburg under the watchful eye of Jürgen Klopp, now the coach of Germany, Maza had already reaffirmed his international choice: “I hope he appreciates me as a player. But clearly, I am now an Algerian international and I am proud of it.” A message that leaves little room for doubt about his attachment to the Greens.

DZfoot