Maza’s rise has been rapid. The report says the 20-year-old joined Leverkusen from Hertha Berlin last summer in a deal worth £10.3m, then made an immediate impression in Germany.
He reportedly finished his first campaign with five goals and seven assists in 44 appearances, helping Leverkusen secure a Europa League place. Those figures are impressive, but they do not fully explain the excitement around him.
Brassell pointed to a Champions League victory at Manchester City as a defining performance, saying Maza “ran the game” despite his age. That is the more intriguing part of his profile: not simply the production, but the authority.
Maza reportedly has the qualities English clubs regularly seek in midfield. He can operate deeper, carry the ball through pressure, receive possession in tight areas and use it cleanly.
That versatility could make him attractive to several Premier League sides. He is not being framed solely as a final-third creator who must wait for the right system. His ability to influence the rhythm of a match gives him a broader platform.
Brassell believes the goals will arrive in greater volume later. His warning to interested clubs is straightforward: “He is a guy that is only going to get more expensive from here.”
Maza’s international profile is rising too. The report says he started Algeria’s opening Group J matches against Argentina and Jordan, with the upcoming finale against Austria providing another opportunity to attract attention.
A strong tournament finish could accelerate the speculation around him, particularly if Premier League scouts see the same composure and control that have made him stand out at club level.
For now, the question is whether English clubs act before Maza’s reputation catches up with his potential. Algeria’s meeting with Austria is the next storyline to watch - and another chance for the midfielder to make waiting look like a costly decision.