Ayase Ueda: 'Exquisite' forward can be Leeds United wildcard despite World Cup display

Ayase Ueda enjoyed a successful campaign in the Eredivisie, earning himself interest from Leeds United.

The Japan international ended the league campaign as the top scorer in the Netherlands top-flight, with the 27-year-old now the starting striker for his nation.

Interestingly, Ueda's first appearance in the 2026 World Cup would come up against the nation in which he plays his football - the Netherlands.

Those interested in signing him, including Leeds, will no doubt have been paying attention as the Asian nation snatched a 2-2 draw in the dying moments.

However, for Ueda, he may not be too happy to have many eyes on him with the transfer window officially open as he was quite quiet in an attacking sense.

As the world watched on, the 27-year-old failed to make an impact but Daniel Farke will not be put off for one key reason.

How Leeds target Ayase Ueda performed against the Netherlands

Japan are a growing nation in football, and their squad is filled with a plethora of talent.

Ueda is certainly one of those, even if he did not show his true qualities in the opening game of Group F.

With the Netherlands dominating the ball, Ueda could barely get involved in the game. He had just 15 touches throughout the match.

However, despite his limited touches, there were still plenty of bright moments from the striker.

In those few touches of the ball, Ueda did manage to create one chance for his country, as well as complete his only attempted dribble.

Ueda also battled well, winning 60 per cent of his ground duels. So, while he did not have as much impact as he would have hoped, in his few moments, he showed glimpses.

Additionally, not much blame can be attached to the striker, with Japan being quite timid in their attack for much of the game.

Why Farke would have been impressed with Ueda

While the statistics show Ueda being uninvolved, the truth is that his pressing and work rate were key for Japan.

Ueda had the job of putting pressure on midfielder Frenkie de Jong, and he did that effectively throughout the match.

Farke would have enjoyed that off-the-ball work, and Ueda's home nation of Japan were also full of praise for it.

According to the outlet, Football Channel JP, Ueda was awarded a 6.5 rating as he "completely neutralized [Frenkie] de Jong with his exquisite positioning."

So, the forward may have gone under the radar for his hard work for Japan but knowing Farke, he would have taken notice of those small details.