Maza praised by Stuttgart striker after starring in Leverkusen defeat

Ibrahim Maza’s outstanding performance for Bayer Leverkusen in their 4-2 Bundesliga defeat by VfB Stuttgart earned him an unusual endorsement from Germany international Deniz Undav – a joking suggestion that he should join Paris Saint-Germain.

The 20-year-old, who previously played for Hertha Berlin, scored Leverkusen’s final goal and was a constant threat despite his side’s disappointing result. German newspaper Bild rated the Algeria international as the best player in his team, with Leverkusen left sixth in the Bundesliga.

Undav encountered Maza after the match in the stadium corridors. Maza was speaking to his fellow opponent Bilal El Khannouss when the Stuttgart forward spotted them a few metres away.

Impressed by Maza’s display, Undav joked: “Go to Paris, my friend, I don’t want to play against you any more!”

The reference to Paris Saint-Germain underlined the regard in which Undav holds the midfielder, although there is no indication that the French club are considering a move for Maza.

Undav, who has won 13 caps and scored nine goals for Germany, later expanded on his assessment in an interview with Sky.

“With Maza, Leverkusen have an exceptional player. He creates space and wins his duels,” he said, according to Bild.

The praise carried added weight because it came from an opponent. Stuttgart’s victory also gave Undav greater freedom to enjoy the exchange after the final whistle.

Having already impressed Messi, Maza continues to attract attention with his performances in Germany.

The story also has a connection to Stuttgart’s previous interest in the player. The club seriously considered signing Maza in 2025, when he was still with Hertha Berlin and attracting attention from several German teams.

According to Bild, Stuttgart even arranged a secret meeting between the player and club officials in January 2025.

Leverkusen ultimately won the race for his signature, paying 12 million euros to secure the Algeria international.

VfB sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth later acknowledged that there had been mutual interest between the club and Maza, but said the proposed transfer could not be completed.

Stuttgart instead recruited Bilal El Khannouss for their midfield. Maza, meanwhile, continues to earn admiration in the Bundesliga for both his performances and his character, despite Leverkusen’s defeat.