The last gift from Alonso to Leverkusen: Ibrahim Maza with different qualities

The goal of Wirtz's 'heir' saved Bayer04 from going to penalties in the Cup against Paderborn.

In Leverkusen, there is (almost) no trace left of the team that won the League, Cup, and Super Cup in 2024 with Xabi Alonso on the bench. A revolution, with 17 departures and 20 arrivals, in which the now Real Madrid coach wanted to leave his mark by giving his 'blessing' to the footballer theoretically called to succeed Florian Wirtz: Ibrahim Maza (Berlin, 24-11-2005). 

"I have spoken with him. He is a player with different qualities. He is good between the lines and has great potential. He has many things to develop, but we always think that our club is good for young players who want to improve. And he has a good personality: he is young, but mature. So it is a very good signing and we are happy that he is with us," Alonso acknowledged.

The Algerian international, signed for 12 million euros, downplayed his price: "I am very grateful for what they have paid for me: they think I am worth 12 million. However, I try not to worry too much. I want to play football and ignore everything else."

He, in turn, preferred to distance himself from Wirtz... despite sharing a position and playing style: "I like to play as a '10'. I hope to show my talent and determination and contribute with goals and assists. I don't like being compared to him. 'Flo' is an incredible player. He has become the most expensive signing in the Premier League. I haven't achieved that yet, but I hope to be at his level someday".