Leverkusen's Maza flattered by Wirtz comparisons
Ibrahim Maza is flattered by comparisons to former Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz but still feels he has a way to go to live up to that billing as his side prepares to face Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga on Monday (AEDT).
Leverkusen sits fourth in the Bundesliga after three straight wins helped it bounce back from an underwhelming start under Carles Martinez.
Maza has been key to its revival, having struck up an excellent relationship with striker Patrik Schick. The duo both assisted goals for one another in a 2-1 win over Freiburg last weekend.
Maza's assist for Schick last week came after he showed some lovely footwork to get past two defenders near the corner flag, leading to comparisons with Wirtz.
Wirtz, who has struggled somewhat since joining Liverpool last year, scored 57 goals and provided 62 assists in 197 appearances for Leverkusen, helping it win an unbeaten Bundesliga and DFL-Pokal double in 2023-2024.
"I don't know. It is still the same, of course. Flo is an incredible player, a real Leverkusen legend and everything," Maza said.
"I am still trying to follow my own path and be my own player.
"I think we are a little different in terms of our playing styles, but of course, it is nice to be able to follow in the footsteps of such a great player. I hope that one day I can play at his level and achieve that.
"It does make me proud, of course, that I can take on that kind of responsibility for such a big club.
"At the same time, I try to block it out and simply focus on what happens on the pitch, keep doing my own thing, and enjoy playing."
Hoffenheim is 13th in the Bundesliga with six points, but did win 2-1 at Borussia Monchengladbach last time out, while a 3-0 UEFA Europa League victory over Lyon provided a further boost for Christian Ilzer's side heading into the clash against Leverkusen.
Ibrahim聽Maza
Bayer 04 Leverkusen
