Ibrahim Maza
B04
Attacking Midfielder
Left Winger
Shadow Striker
Nov 24, 2005 (20)
Right
5'11"
154 lb
Takes two shots
Maza took two off target shots, crossed once inaccurately and created a chance during Sunday's 3-0 loss to Hoffenheim.
Analysis: Maza was held off the scoresheet while tying for the team-high in shots and chances created during the loss. The attacker has two goal involvements to go along with five shots, four chances created and four crosses in his last three Bundesliga starts.
Scores and assists on Sunday
Maza scored one goal and assisted once from two shots and two chances created in Sunday's 2-1 win over SC Freiburg.
Analysis: Maza equalized in the 19th minute assisted by Patrik Schick and then returned the favor by assisting Patrik Schick's winner in the 76th minute. Maza covered over 10 kilometers, made 30 passes and also made a tackle. He has now contributed to three goals in the last five games.
In starting squad
Maza (ankle) is in the starting XI for Saturday's match against Mainz.
Analysis: Maza is cleared to start after suffering a right ankle contusion during Algeria's match against Niger. The attacking midfielder had been dealing with lingering discomfort ahead of a late fitness assessment, but the issue will not prevent him from retaining his starting role. He has played every minute of Leverkusen's four Bundesliga matches this season, recording one goal and two assists.
Facing late fitness test
Maza (ankle) will undergo a late fitness test Friday to determine his availability for Saturday's Bundesliga clash against Mainz after suffering a right ankle contusion during international duty with Algeria, according to Bild.
Analysis: Maza avoided a serious injury after twisting his right ankle following a challenge against Niger, but he continues to experience some discomfort despite the pain having significantly decreased. His availability against Mainz will depend on whether he can train without pain and fully load his ankle during Friday's final session. The attacking midfielder has played every minute of Leverkusen's four Bundesliga matches this season, contributing one goal and two assists. Should he be ruled out, Malik Tillman is the leading candidate to replace him in the No. 10 role.
Forced off against Niger
Maza was forced off with an apparent injury during Tuesday's clash with Niger.
Analysis: Maza suffered an apparent injury during the friendly and is now in doubt for Saturday's trip to Mainz. He will return to Leverkusen to undergo tests and see what the timeline for his return looks like, but an injury in the final week before the league resumes doesn't bode well for the forward.
Fit and available against Leipzig
Maza (illness) is fit and available for Sunday's clash against Leipzig, according to coach Carles Martinez Novell. "He trained with us today, he is much better, he will be in the group."
Analysis: Maza had missed the recent Europa League opener against Celje due to illness, an issue that proved to be a quick turnaround as expected. His confirmed availability now positions him to return to Leverkusen's attack after that brief absence.
Out to face Celje
Maza (illness) is out for Thursday's match against Celje.
Analysis: Maza was battling an illness heading into Thursday's UEL opener, and the injury will be too much to play through, as the attacker has been left on the sidelines. The good news is he should be able to make a quick turnaround, potentially already set for a return when facing Leipzig on Sunday.
Late call for Europa League opener
Maza is a late for Wednesday's Europa League opener against NK Celje after missing Tuesday's training session due to an infection, according to coach Carles Martinez Novell. "We have to see how he feels tomorrow."
Analysis: Maza's absence from training was also a precautionary measure to avoid infecting teammates, and his participation remains uncertain pending how he feels closer to kickoff. He has been in excellent form with a goal contribution in each of Leverkusen's opening two matches, most recently scoring against Union Berlin, and if he is unable to go, coach Carles Martinez Novell could turn to Afonso Moreira on the left wing with Malik Tillman moving into the number 10 role and Moussa Diaby shifting to the opening midfield spot.
Nets on Saturday
Maza scored one goal to go with five shots (two on goal), five crosses (one accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 4-0 victory against Union Berlin. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 88th minute.
Analysis: Maza registered five crosses, created three chances and also contributed defensively with three clearances and two interceptions. He put up a tireless performance and covered almost 11 kilometers. He has now registered a goal contribution in each of the opening two games.
Assist in loss
Maza assisted once to go with three shots (zero on goal), five crosses (two accurate) and four chances created in Saturday's 3-2 defeat to SV 07 Elversberg. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 53rd minute.
Analysis: The Algerian talent was one of the most threatening and creative players in the game, taking three shots, two from outside the box, while creating four chances that earned him an assist. He also completed two of five crosses attempted, though the performance was not enough to prevent a disappointing loss to a newly promoted side in the league opener.
Ready for new season
Maza is back and ready for the new season with Bayer Leverkusen, scoring the opener in Saturday's friendly against RW Essen, according to the club.
Analysis: Maza finished last season with 40 total appearances, contributing three goals and six assists in his debut Bundesliga campaign, performances that earned multiple Rookie of the Month awards and attracted transfer interest from several Premier League clubs. His early goal in this preseason friendly is an encouraging sign following an early World Cup exit with Algeria, and he now shifts focus fully to building on last season's breakout form heading into the new 2026/27 Bundesliga campaign under new coach Carles Martinez Novell.
Three shots in 2-0 loss
Maza registered three shots (zero on goal) in Thursday's 2-0 defeat to Switzerland.
Analysis: Maza was unable to put any of his shots on target as Algeria lost 2-0 to Switzerland and were knocked out of the tournament. His best chance came in the final moments of the first half when he dragged his left-footed shot wide. He took three shots or more in the last three matches and put three of his 10 shots on target. He also created three chances in the two games before this, but didn't create any in this game.
Takes three shots versus Austria
Maza generated three shots (one on goal) and one chance created in Saturday's 3-3 draw versus Austria.
Analysis: Maza co-led Algeria in shots during the draw that helped both teams advance to the World Cup's Round of 32. The midfielder also won the most duels (seven) for his side and logged an impressive six successful take-ons on offense. The started in all their three group stage games, but did not score or assist.
Four shots in 2-1 win
Maza recorded four shots (two on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and two chances created in Monday's 2-1 victory against Jordan.
Analysis: Maza took four shots as his side won 2-1 in the second group game of the World Cup against Jordan. They will look to pick up a result in the final game against Austria in order to guarantee progression out of the group stage. The midfielder has started both matches in the World Cup, but put two of his four shots on target in this game, putting two on target. He also created two chances, a strong performance from the 20-year-old.
Takes one shot in loss
Maza had one shot (zero on goal) in Tuesday's 3-0 loss versus Argentina.
Analysis: Maza had a pretty quiet performance stat-wise, with only one shot as a relevant number. The forward won five duels, good for third-most in the Algerian squad. He did assist Fares Chaibi in the seventh minute, but the goal was disallowed by the VAR.
No goal or assist in finale
Maza recorded seven shots (two on goal), five crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Hamburger SV.
Analysis: Maza stuffed the stat sheet but failed to generate a goal or an assist in Leverkusen's last match. He had a successful debut campaign with the club and will attempt to establish himself in a more prominent role next season after coming off the bench eight times and having 20 starts.
Assists with lone chance created
Maza had an assist with his lone chance created while taking two off target shots and crossing once inaccurately during Saturday's 4-1 win over RB Leipzig.
Analysis: Maza set up Patrik Schick in the 76th minute assisting Leverkusen's third goal. The assist was the first since March 4th for Maza as he's combined for seven shots, four chances created and six crosses over his last three starts.
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