Talk:Malzahar/@comment-69.141.8.150-20130128213126/@comment-178.166.24.118-20130130225838

@op

He certainly does well against bruisers in general since he can abuse his mechanics and push lane with E all day as well as countering health stacking with his W. The real problem is early game. Champions like Kha'Zix or Pantheon have no trouble in all-in'ing Malzahar from lvls 2-5 because Malzahar is too squishy early and has no way at all to disengage except flash. You see, champions like Brand, Anivia or Twisted Fate can stun a bruiser who jumps on them. Gragas or Katarina can dash away with their skills. Even Karthus, Orianna or Evelynn can speed themselves up/slow the enemy. But what can Malzahar do? Walk back. He literally can't do anything else. You're caught in a bad spot and there's no coming back.

Honestly I'd never take Malzahar into an AD bruiser/assassin lane. The risk is too high and you'll get chunked by any decent player and his jungler. Swain, Ryze, Katarina or Elise are all better choices.