Luciano Valente offered candid insight into the challenges posed by Ayase Ueda during Feyenoord’s 3-1 victory over FC Groningen at De Kuip on April 25, 2026. Speaking to FR12.nl after the match, Valente admitted he was startled on multiple occasions by the Japanese forward’s movement and positioning, stating, “I schrok wel een paar keer, hij speelde me steeds in,” which translates to expressing surprise at how frequently Ueda found space behind him.
The comment came in the aftermath of a performance where Ueda played a pivotal role in securing Feyenoord’s second-place standing in the Eredivisie. The Dutch giants claimed a comfortable win thanks to early pressure and clinical finishing, with Ueda contributing two goals — including a penalty — to extend his league-leading tally to 25 goals for the season.
Feyenoord began strongly, with Jordan Bos opening the scoring in the 11th minute after receiving a pass from Valente. Bos’ strike from outside the box set the tone, and minutes later, he drew a foul inside the penalty area that led to Ueda’s first goal from the spot in the 22nd minute. The Feyenoord winger’s involvement in both early goals highlighted his influence on the left flank, even as he acknowledged the defensive difficulties presented by Ueda’s intelligent runs.
Valente’s reflection underscores the tactical awareness required to contain a striker of Ueda’s caliber, who has consistently proven himself as the Eredivisie’s top marksman. The Japanese international’s second goal in the 67th minute — a low strike following a pass from Oussama Targhalline — effectively put the match beyond doubt, although FC Groningen managed a late consolation through Thom van Bergen in the 86th minute.
The result keeps Feyenoord firmly in contention for the automatic Champions League qualification spot, with the club set to visit Fortuna Sittard next. Meanwhile, FC Groningen will host Excelsior in their following fixture as they seem to recover from the defeat.
Valente’s honesty about being tested by Ueda’s movement provides a rare glimpse into the in-game adjustments players make when facing elite opposition. His admission that he was “schrok” — startled — on several occasions speaks to the constant threat Ueda posed through his timing and spatial awareness, qualities that have made him a nightmare for defenders throughout the season.
For Feyenoord, the win represents another step in their push to secure a top-two finish, with Ueda’s form proving instrumental. The forward’s ability to score from open play and the penalty spot has made him indispensable, and his 25-goal tally places him at the summit of the Eredivisie scoring charts as the season enters its decisive phase.
Looking ahead, Feyenoord’s next test against Fortuna Sittard will demand similar defensive discipline, particularly in dealing with quick transitions and intelligent forward runs — challenges Valente now has firsthand experience navigating after his encounter with Ueda.
Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of the Eredivisie title race and Feyenoord’s pursuit of Champions League football.
