Ueda and Shiogai: Differing Assessments of Japanese Strikers in Dutch Eredivisie
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A recent NEC Nijmegen victory over Feyenoord has sparked contrasting opinions regarding the performance of Japanese forwards Kiyo Ueda and Takeshi Shiogai within the Dutch Eredivisie. The November 23rd match, which NEC won 4-2, has prompted analysis from Dutch media outlets and Feyenoord’s own manager, Robin van Persie, highlighting both the strengths and areas for improvement of the two players.
NEC’s Late Surge and Shiogai’s Impact
Following the away win, attention turned to NEC Nijmegen’s strong finish, with Dutch media outlet Voetbal4u focusing on their passing play in the final stages of the game. An analyst, speaking to Voetbal4u, praised NEC’s performance in the last 30 minutes, specifically noting the impact of substitute Takeshi Shiogai. The analyst described Shiogai as “very light,” suggesting a nimble and dynamic presence on the field.
Ueda’s Agility Questioned
In contrast, the same analyst pointed to a perceived lack of agility in Kiyo Ueda, who started the match for Feyenoord. “Compared to Shiogai, he lacks a little agility,” the analyst stated, citing a specific instance where Ueda’s “movements froze” during a one-on-one opportunity with the opposing goalkeeper, costing him crucial speed. This observation suggests a potential difference in the players’ ability to react quickly and decisively in key moments.
Van Persie’s Mixed Review of Ueda
Despite the critique regarding agility, Feyenoord manager Robin van Persie offered a largely positive assessment of Ueda. According to FR-Fans.nl, Van Persie lauded Ueda’s “very strong shot” and proficiency in taking free kicks, asserting that the forward possesses “all the requirements for a striker.”
However, Van Persie also acknowledged areas where Ueda could refine his game. He noted a need for improvement in the timing of his falls and his overall body positioning, and addressed the fact that Ueda is frequently the target of fouls. Van Persie encouraged Ueda to “get back at it from time to time,” drawing a parallel to the resilience demonstrated by great strikers throughout history.
A Team Player with Room to Grow
Van Persie concluded his evaluation by emphasizing Ueda’s positive attributes as a teammate, describing him as “fun to work with” and highlighting his significant potential for further development. This suggests that, despite areas for improvement, Feyenoord’s manager views Ueda as a valuable asset to the team with a bright future.
