Kenji Nishibe Analyzes: The Theory of Soccer Stars – Part 99: Ayase Ueda
In the ever-evolving world of modern soccer, how do top-tier players navigate the fierce competition? Kenji Nishibe, a leading authority on soccer tactics and play analysis, examines Ayase Ueda, who is on the verge of winning the Eredivisie scoring title.
On the Verge of the Scoring Crown
In the 2025-26 season, Ayase Ueda (Feyenoord) is nearly certain to claim the Eredivisie scoring title. With 25 goals through 33 matchdays, he holds a comfortable lead over second-place Mika Godts (Ajax, 17 goals) and third-place Troy Parrott (AZ, 16 goals). A comeback in the final game seems unlikely. Ueda is a classic center-forward (CF), while Godts is not, which may also factor into the goal tally.
Ueda has become indispensable for the Japanese national team, a true one-of-a-kind striker. First called up for the 2019 Copa America, he played three matches and impressed with his intelligent movement to receive passes and sharp positioning. He consistently found the right spots for finishing when the pass arrived in good time, making life easier for his teammates. However, while his reception was near-perfect, his finishing initially fell short. He created many chances but struggled to convert them—a common hurdle for forwards who excel at receiving but not at the final strike.
That problem quickly resolved after he joined Kashima Antlers. He bulked up, gained immense shot power, and developed the strength to get shots on target even from awkward positions. These qualities have persisted through his moves to Club Brugge and then Feyenoord, making him a striker who can overpower defenders. He excels at creating decisive chances through his own movement, has the composure to finish reliably, and possesses the ability to force goals even from half-chances. Strong at holding off defenders, he also serves as a counterattack outlet. With powerful shots from both feet, excellent heading ability, and aerial dominance, it’s hard to find a player more deserving of the scoring title.
Strength in Scoring Inside the Box
Despite his success in the Netherlands, some question Ueda’s ability, pointing out that he has not scored against rivals PSV and Ajax, only against weaker opponents. While that’s true, scoring titles usually come from converting chances against smaller teams. Speedsters often score against strong sides on the counterattack, but they can struggle when moving to bigger clubs with less space. In the Eredivisie, top-club players vying for the scoring title face teams that often sit deep, favoring versatile forwards over one-dimensional ones. Ueda fits that mold, producing a flurry of goals for the “Big Three” club Feyenoord. Most of his shots come from inside the penalty area, concentrated around the goal frame—the hallmark of a true goalscorer. If Ueda moves, he’d thrive at a title-contending club or one with a strong attack, rather than a defensive team relying on solitary counterattack chances.
A Forward Who Sacrifices in Defense
The Japanese national team dominates Asia but sits among the mid-tier at World Cups. Facing stronger sides like Spain or France, Japan will likely be on the back foot. That’s why defensive work from forwards is crucial. All of Japan’s strikers, including Ueda, are committed to defending—arguably world-class in that regard. In other powerhouses, it’s common to have one or two players who don’t track back, like Lionel Messi (Argentina), Kylian Mbappé (France), or Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal). These superstars are excused from defending due to their offensive contributions. But a team of 10 defenders is always stronger than 9. Japan lacks such a star, so everyone defends. Even if a future superstar emerges, Japan might not grant them an exemption. Perhaps Japan’s model of total team defending will be one that other nations eventually follow.
