Ayase Ueda arrives in Qatar as Japan’s designated No. 9 after clinching the Eredivisie Golden Boot with 25 goals for Feyenoord. The 27‑year‑old forward’s rise from Kashima Antlers to Belgium and then the Dutch league has made him the Samurai Blue’s primary attacking threat. His first test comes against a Netherlands side boasting world‑class defenders in the opening group match on Sunday.

Ueda’s 0.4 goals‑per‑game ratio mirrors that of former strikers Shinji Okazaki and Yuya Osako, but at 27 he is entering his peak years. Last season he netted 12 times in his first two Eredivisie campaigns before exploding for 25 this term. The Dutch league sharpened his hold‑up play and ability to create chances for teammates and adapt to the pace of international tournaments.

Japan stunned Germany and Spain at the 2022 World Cup, showing they can compete with football’s elite. Ueda, who sat on the bench in Qatar, now bears the scoring burden. A strong showing against the Dutch could cement his status as Japan’s first true No. 9 on the world stage for Japan’s hopes, and he will need to deliver in the tournament.