Feyenoord, one of the Netherlands' most storied clubs, is actively searching for a new striker—and for good reason. Since his arrival, current frontman Ayase Ueda has struggled to meet expectations, and doubts about his suitability have only grown.

Ayase Ueda Disappoints Early at Feyenoord

In the Kick-Off podcast, journalist Valentijn Driessen revealed that Feyenoord coach Robin van Persie was reportedly left shocked during the second training session at Sportpark 1908. Driessen explains: "The media were invited to Feyenoord's second training session, which is pretty rare. Sure, players are just getting back into rhythm, and sometimes that's visible. But what we saw from Ueda was really concerning. He looked completely off the pace—it was just nothing. And honestly, this has been going on for a while."

Driessen goes on to say, "I've mentioned this to both Van Persie and Priske, but it's not going to work. The ball just bounces off his feet. With this player, you simply cannot play football at Feyenoord's level." For midfielder Sem Steijn and the rest of the side, Driessen argues, it's critical the club finds a new striker—"not Ugalde, but a real frontman. With Ueda, it's impossible."

Ueda's Track Record: Good at Cercle Brugge, Not at Feyenoord

The Japanese striker did well in Belgium at Cercle Brugge, but Driessen is not impressed: "He played for a club battling at the bottom of the table—maybe everything was set up to suit him there. At Feyenoord, he simply hasn't delivered, and I don't think he will."

Should Feyenoord Replace Ueda?

With Ueda's struggles growing clearer by the day, a big question now looms for Feyenoord fans: Should the club cut its losses and look for a new striker, or give Ueda more time to find his feet? For now, patience appears to be running out, both from the supporters and from within the coaching staff.

As the transfer window continues, attention in Rotterdam will center on whether Feyenoord can bring in a reliable striker to boost their attack—and whether Ueda is capable of changing the narrative around his own Feyenoord career.

Source: https://www.soccernews.nl/news/van-persie-schrikt-zich-dood-van-feyenoorder/