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Ibrahim Maza Sends Leverkusen Into Pokal Quarterfinals After Midfield Reinvention

A move into a deeper role has unlocked the 20-year-old’s impact for Bayer.

Overview

  • His 1-0 winner in Dortmund sealed passage to the DFB-Pokal quarterfinals and brought another player-of-the-match award.
  • He also delivered the decisive extra-time strike at Paderborn in the previous round of the cup.
  • Coach Kasper Hjulmand redeployed Maza into a double pivot with Aleix García, praised his fast learning, and highlighted his daily professionalism.
  • Since the switch he has become a regular starter, hit his first Bundesliga brace in the 6-0 against Heidenheim, and earned the top-player award at Benfica.
  • Signed from Hertha BSC for about €12 million in the summer, Maza recently confirmed his international allegiance to Algeria.