Ibrahim Maza has reaffirmed his commitment to Algeria after producing a goal and an assist for Bayer Leverkusen in front of Germany manager Jurgen Klopp.

The 20-year-old was influential as Leverkusen beat Freiburg 2-1 on Sunday, creating the decisive goal for Patrik Schick with an impressive run along the goalline. His performance at the BayArena prompted comparisons with former Leverkusen playmaker Florian Wirtz.

Klopp, Germany’s new manager, watched from the stands, but Maza said his presence did not make him question his international decision.

“I hope he considers me a good player. But today I am an Algeria international and I am proud of that,” Maza said.

He also acknowledged the quality already available to Germany, where competition for places is especially strong.

Maza was born in Berlin, developed through the German system and represented the country at every youth level from under-17 to under-20. His background meant he could have been considered for the senior Mannschaft, but he opted to represent Algeria in September 2024, before establishing himself at the highest level.

His family connection to Algeria was an important factor. However, when speaking to Sky Sport Germany in November 2025, Maza also offered a sporting explanation for his decision.

“From a purely sporting point of view,” he said, he believed his chances of playing at a World Cup were greater with Algeria because of the competition for attacking midfield places in Germany, particularly from Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz.

Those comments caused controversy and led to a response from his representatives, who stressed his strong emotional attachment to Algeria. His latest declaration of pride does not necessarily contradict the calculation he previously described: Maza had chosen Algeria both because of his family ties and because he saw greater sporting opportunities with the Desert Foxes.

His situation can be compared with that of Younes Ebnoutalib, although the two players made different choices.

Ebnoutalib, who was also born in Germany and was eligible to represent a North African country, recently chose Germany instead of Morocco. The Eintracht Frankfurt striker had been monitored by the FRMF and contacted by Mohamed Ouahbi, but said Klopp’s personal intervention persuaded him.

“When Klopp calls, you cannot say no,” Ebnoutalib said.

Maza, by contrast, had already committed himself to Algeria. His decision came in a different context and was influenced by both his family background and his assessment of the international opportunities available to him.

As his form continues to develop at Bayer Leverkusen, his public satisfaction at representing Algeria will be welcomed by the country’s supporters. The midfielder increasingly appears to be a player with the talent to become a major figure for the national team, as well as one who is fully comfortable with the choice he made.