Feyenoord's ambitions for the new season have quickly run into trouble, as high-profile Dutch journalist Valentijn Driessen publicly called for the club to find a new striker. Driessen's latest comments, made after watching a recent Feyenoord training session, show deep concerns about Ayase Ueda's place at the club and his ability to lead the attack.
Journalist Driessen Slams Feyenoord's Striker Ayase Ueda
On the podcast "Kick-off" by De Telegraaf, Valentijn Driessen revealed that he attended Feyenoord's second preseason training for the upcoming season and specifically watched Ueda in action. His impression was overwhelmingly negative: "That really didn't look like anything," he said, referring to Ueda's performance.
Ueda, who arrived in Rotterdam during the summer of 2023 for a substantial fee from Cercle Brugge, hasn't managed to impress or secure a solid place in Feyenoord's lineup. Driessen remarked, "It's absolutely nothing. This has already been going on for a long time. I brought it up with Van Persie and Priske as well, but it's just not working. Every ball bounces off his feet."
Are Feyenoord Searching for His Replacement?
There are hints that Feyenoord may already be looking for alternatives, with rumors that Manfred Ugalde, formerly of FC Twente and now at Spartak Moscow, is being considered. However, Driessen hopes the club chooses someone else, expressing concern that Ugalde plays in Russia. "For Sem Steijn's sake, let's hope a better striker comes. Not Ugalde, but another one. With this guy (Ueda), you simply cannot play football," he said.
The Ueda Dilemma: Fans and Pundits Split
The debate over Ueda's future at Feyenoord is in full swing. Some fans argue for greater patience and suggest that with better service and tactical tweaks, Ueda could still prove his worth. Others, echoing Driessen, believe that Feyenoord must be ruthless and pragmatic if they hope to challenge for titles, insisting the club take decisive action in the transfer market soon.
What's Next for Feyenoord and Ueda?
The coming weeks will be telling. Preseason matches will provide Ueda with opportunities to prove doubters wrong but also give management more data to inform their decisions. If a new striker is recruited, it may spell an early end to Ueda's hopes of becoming a key figure at the club.
In summary, this transfer saga encapsulates the relentless pressures at the top level of Dutch football. Feyenoord, as ever, must balance ambition with realism and decide whether Ayase Ueda remains a part of their vision for the future.
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Source: https://www.soccernews.nl/news/feyenoord-mislukking-per-direct-uit-elftal-gezet/