Champions League: Kasper Hjulmand dazzled by Algerian prodigy Ibrahim Maza! | OneFootball

Bayer Leverkusen: Hjulmand heaps praise on Ibrahim Maza

Champions League: Kasper Hjulmand dazzled by Algerian prodigy Ibrahim Maza!

At just 19 years old, Ibrahim Maza is establishing himself as one of the brightest prospects in European football. The Algerian midfielder for Bayer Leverkusen keeps delivering standout performances and has just been named man of the match twice in one week: first in the German Cup against Paderborn, then in the Champions League against Benfica Lisbon. Two displays of remarkable maturity for a player barely out of his teens.

Game intelligence applauded by UEFA and his coach

Against the Portuguese side, Maza put in a remarkably precise performance, operating in a more defensive role than usual. UEFA commended him for "his positioning and intelligent decision-making, which brought excellent balance to his team." With a 93% pass completion rate, nearly 13 km covered, and a top speed of 30.5 km/h, the Berlin academy graduate was one of the driving forces behind the German side's success in Lisbon.

His coach, Kasper Hjulmand, was full of praise for him:

The Danish manager also highlighted his mental qualities:

Having arrived from Hertha Berlin last summer, Ibrahim Maza wasted no time making an impression. His versatility, maturity, and temperament make him a key piece in Hjulmand's system and a future cornerstone for the Algerian national team.