Ayase Ueda at Feyenoord: A Striker’s Struggle with Consistency
Ayase Ueda recently reached a milestone, playing his 100th official match for Feyenoord. He is only the second Japanese player in the club’s history to achieve this, following Shinji Ono who played 149 games for the club. Despite this achievement, Ueda’s performance has been a subject of debate, mirroring a pattern seen with other Feyenoord strikers.
The Peaks and Valleys of a Feyenoord Striker
Ueda initially impressed with 18 goals in the first half of the season, seemingly silencing his critics. However, the conversation has resurfaced as he has yet to score an official goal for Feyenoord in 2026. This echoes the experiences of previous Feyenoord forwards like Santiago Giménez and Jørgensen, who too experienced a drop in goalscoring form after a strong start.
A Lack of Sharpness in Front of Goal?
Analysts point to a decline in Ueda’s sharpness as a key factor. Bram van Polen notes that his “compact piece of sharpness” seems to be missing, contrasting with his earlier form where everything he touched found the back of the net. There have also been noticeable issues with his overall play, with “assumptions that are not fluid.”
Beyond Goals: Ueda’s Contribution to the Team
Despite the goal drought, Ueda’s value to Feyenoord extends beyond scoring. He remains critical in the team’s overall play, as highlighted in a recent match against Telstar where he played a crucial role in the winning goal. Karim El Ahmadi emphasized Ueda’s ability to receive the ball and continue play, a quality not as readily apparent in his competitor, Casper Tengstedt.
Confidence and the Penalty Spot
Ueda’s current form is also linked to his confidence levels. A recent example is his decision to pass on taking a penalty, which was then successfully converted by Casper Tengstedt. Analysts suggest that a confident striker would typically take the responsibility of a penalty kick.
The Future Role of Tengstedt
While Tengstedt converted the penalty, El Ahmadi believes that Feyenoord manager Arne Slot values Ueda’s ability to link up play. He suggests Tengstedt is more of a traditional finisher, lacking the same level of involvement in build-up play that Slot prefers.
FAQ
Q: How many games has Ayase Ueda played for Feyenoord?
A: As of March 1, 2026, Ayase Ueda has played 70 official matches for Feyenoord.
Q: What is the pattern observed with Feyenoord strikers?
A: Several Feyenoord strikers, including Ueda, Giménez, and Jørgensen, have shown strong form before the winter break but struggled to maintain it afterward.
Q: Is Casper Tengstedt likely to replace Ueda in the starting lineup?
A: It’s unlikely, as the manager appears to value Ueda’s ability to contribute to the team’s overall play.
Q: What is Ueda’s current role in the team?
A: Ueda is valued for his ability to link up play and contribute to the team’s build-up, even if his goalscoring form has dipped.
Did you know? Ayase Ueda is only the second Japanese player to reach 100 appearances for Feyenoord, following Shinji Ono.
Pro Tip: Preserve an eye on Ueda’s confidence levels – they seem to directly impact his performance on the field.
What are your thoughts on Ayase Ueda’s situation at Feyenoord? Share your opinions in the comments below!
Related reading