Liverpool manager Arne Slot is a big fan of his former player, Feyenoord striker Ayase Ueda, and backed him when others doubted. That’s according to Dutch pundit Hans Kraay Junior.
He’s been speaking to Voetbal International, relayed by Voetbal Primeur. During that conversation he revealed the Liverpool manager remains a firm fan of his former striker.
Ueda has been in fine form this season, with 19 goals in 21 games in all competitions for Feyenoord to date. He has 18 in 15 in the Eredivisie alone.
He’s already doubled the nine goals in 31 he managed last season, firmly establishing himself as a key man in this Feyenoord side.
It’s been a steady rise for the 27-year-old, who initially played a back up role behind Santiago Gimenez after arriving in an €8m deal in 2023. His first season saw him score just five goals in 37 games as a result, with his second seeing him improve on that, albeit just by four with nine in total in 31.
Arne Slot faith vindicated
Ayase Ueda
GRONINGEN, NETHERLANDS – SEPTEMBER 28 2025: Ayase Ueda of Feyenoord celebrates after scoring his sides first goal with Jordan Bos of Feyenoord during a Dutch Eredivise at Euroborg
Five of his goals came in 36 appearances under Arne Slot, before his eventual move to Liverpool in the summer of 2024. But, according to Kraay Junior, the Reds boss had no doubts the striker would come good.
“Misjudged, misjudged; of course, he was behind Santiago Gimenez, who was often in top form and therefore also found the net quite often,” he said.
“So, whether we were wrong isn’t important, but Arne Slot—credit where credit is due—has told us and me several times when we asked about Ueda’s potential.
“We really saw that enormous potential once, last season away against Benfica in the Champions League, where he was unparalleled. Slot could use a pat on the back right now. He was right.”