Rotterdam’s title race just got more personal. In his weekly Eredivisie column for FR12.nl, Dutch football legend Kees Kist revealed he would pick Feyenoord striker Ayase Ueda over PSV Eindhoven’s American marksman Ricardo Pepi after Ueda’s two-goal performance in Feyenoord’s 3-1 victory over FC Groningen on Sunday. The selection adds fuel to an already fiery rivalry between the two clubs, who remain locked in a tight battle for the Dutch league title with just five matches remaining in the 2025-26 season.

Ueda’s Two-Goal Masterclass Steals the Spotlight

Ueda, 26, has been in red-hot form since returning from international duty with Japan earlier this month. His brace against Groningen – both goals coming in the first half – showcased the unique blend of athleticism and technical ability that has made him one of the Eredivisie’s most dangerous forwards this season. According to Kist’s analysis, Ueda’s “combination of spring power and agility” created constant problems for Groningen’s defense, with the Japanese international winning crucial aerial duels while maintaining his sharpness in tight spaces.

The performance earned Ueda a place in Kist’s “Elftal van de Week” (Team of the Week), where he was selected ahead of PSV’s Pepi, who has been one of the league’s most consistent goal-scorers this season. Kist’s full selection for the week included:

• Goalkeeper: Justin Unnerstall (Fortuna Sittard)
• Defenders: Mats Deijl (Feyenoord), Gernot Trauner (Feyenoord), Philippe Sandler (Feyenoord), Jordan Bos (Feyenoord)
• Midfielders: Anouar Bajat (FC Utrecht), Joey Veerman (PSV), Calvin Stengs (Feyenoord)
• Forwards: Lennard Van Duijn (AZ Alkmaar), Ayase Ueda (Feyenoord), David Godts (Feyenoord)

Why Kist Chose Ueda Over Pepi

Kist’s preference for Ueda over Pepi is particularly noteworthy given the American striker’s impressive season with PSV. Since joining the Eindhoven club from FC Augsburg in July 2023 for a reported €9 million ($9.8 million), Pepi has established himself as one of the Eredivisie’s most reliable finishers. The 23-year-old has scored 18 goals in 31 league appearances this season, including crucial strikes in PSV’s recent Champions League campaign.

But, Kist’s selection criteria appear to prioritize direct impact on the game. In his column, the former Dutch international specifically highlighted Ueda’s ability to “change the course of a match with his movement and finishing,” while also praising the Japanese striker’s work rate and link-up play. This holistic evaluation contrasts with the more goal-focused assessment often applied to strikers like Pepi.

Kist also noted the scarcity of quality right-backs in the Eredivisie, praising Feyenoord’s Mats Deijl as the best option in that position when Sergiño Dest is unavailable. The inclusion of four Feyenoord players in his team of the week reflects the club’s strong collective performance against Groningen, with Kist particularly impressed by Gernot Trauner’s return from a long-term injury.

The Title Race Context

With Feyenoord and PSV separated by just two points at the top of the Eredivisie table, every match has become a potential title decider. Feyenoord currently sit in second place with 78 points, two behind leaders PSV (80 points), with both teams having played 30 matches. The Rotterdam club has been in imperious form recently, winning their last five league matches while scoring 16 goals in the process.

Ueda’s form has been a key factor in Feyenoord’s recent surge. The Japanese striker has now scored 15 league goals this season, including six in his last five appearances. His partnership with fellow forward David Godts (12 league goals) has given Feyenoord a potent attacking duo that has consistently troubled Eredivisie defenses.

For PSV, Pepi’s consistent goal-scoring has been equally crucial. The American has formed an effective partnership with Luuk de Jong, with the duo combining for 35 league goals this season. However, PSV’s recent form has been less convincing than Feyenoord’s, with the Eindhoven club drawing two of their last three league matches.

What This Means for Both Strikers

Kist’s public preference for Ueda over Pepi comes at an interesting time for both strikers. For Ueda, the recognition from a Dutch football legend like Kist (who scored 212 goals in 385 Eredivisie appearances) could provide additional motivation as Feyenoord push for their first league title since 2023. The Japanese international has been linked with moves to several European clubs in recent transfer windows, and strong performances in the run-in could enhance his value.

For Pepi, the selection serves as a reminder that while his goal-scoring record is impressive, there are always critics looking for different qualities in a striker. The American has been a key figure for the United States national team, scoring 13 goals in 35 appearances, and his performances in the Eredivisie have only strengthened his case for a starting role at next summer’s World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Interestingly, both strikers will have the opportunity to prove their worth against each other when Feyenoord and PSV meet in a potential title decider on May 18 at De Kuip. That match could well determine the destination of the Eredivisie trophy, with both clubs also battling for Champions League qualification.

Tactical Breakdown: Ueda’s Unique Skill Set

What makes Ueda such a difficult player to defend against? According to Kist’s analysis, it’s the combination of physical attributes that don’t typically coexist in modern strikers:

• Aerial Dominance: At 1.82m (5’11”), Ueda isn’t the tallest striker in the Eredivisie, but his timing and spring allow him to win headers against much taller defenders. His first goal against Groningen came from a perfectly placed cross that he met with a powerful header.
• Low Center of Gravity: Despite his jumping ability, Ueda’s compact frame allows him to change direction quickly in tight spaces. His second goal against Groningen came from a sharp turn and low drive that beat the goalkeeper at his near post.
• Link-Up Play: Ueda’s ability to hold up play and bring teammates into the game has improved significantly since joining Feyenoord from Cercle Brugge in 2023. His pass completion rate of 78% this season is among the highest for Eredivisie forwards.
• Movement in the Box: Ueda’s understanding of when to produce diagonal runs versus when to hold his position creates constant dilemmas for defenders. His two goals against Groningen came from different types of movement – one from a near-post run, the other from a late arrival at the far post.

This versatility makes Ueda particularly effective in Feyenoord’s system, which often relies on quick transitions and crosses from wide areas. Manager Arne Slot has praised Ueda’s intelligence and work rate, noting that the striker’s ability to press from the front has been crucial in the team’s recent defensive improvements.

Pepi’s Response: A Striker’s Mentality

While Pepi wasn’t directly involved in the Feyenoord-Groningen match, his response to such selections is well-documented. Throughout his career, the American has used perceived slights as motivation. After being left out of the U.S. Squad for the 2024 Copa América, Pepi responded with his most productive club season to date, scoring 25 goals in all competitions for PSV.

The 23-year-old has shown remarkable consistency in the Eredivisie, with his goal-scoring record improving each season:

Pepi’s improvement in efficiency is particularly notable. His minutes-per-goal ratio has decreased each season, with his current rate of 145 minutes per goal placing him among the most efficient strikers in Europe’s top leagues. This season, only a handful of forwards in Europe’s top five leagues have a better minutes-per-goal ratio than Pepi.

Key Takeaways

• Title Race Implications: With Feyenoord and PSV separated by just two points, every match becomes crucial. Ueda’s form gives Feyenoord a psychological edge heading into their May 18 showdown.
• Striker Comparison: Kist’s selection highlights the different qualities valued in modern strikers – Ueda’s all-around game versus Pepi’s pure goal-scoring efficiency.
• Feyenoord’s Strength: The inclusion of four Feyenoord players in Kist’s team of the week reflects the club’s strong collective performance and depth.
• Pepi’s Consistency: The American striker continues to improve his efficiency, with his minutes-per-goal ratio decreasing each season in Europe.
• Tactical Evolution: Ueda’s ability to combine aerial dominance with quick feet makes him a unique threat in the Eredivisie, forcing defenders to account for multiple types of runs.
• What’s Next: Both strikers will have opportunities to prove their worth in the coming weeks, with crucial matches against other top-four contenders.

What’s Next for Both Strikers?

Ueda and Feyenoord face a challenging run-in, with matches against AZ Alkmaar (away), NEC Nijmegen (home), and Sparta Rotterdam (away) before the potential title decider against PSV on May 18. The Japanese striker will be looking to maintain his goal-scoring form while also contributing to Feyenoord’s defensive efforts through pressing.

For Pepi and PSV, the immediate focus will be on their Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich, with the first leg scheduled for May 6. The Eredivisie schedule then presents matches against FC Utrecht (home), SC Heerenveen (away), and Vitesse Arnhem (home) before the crucial clash with Feyenoord.

Both strikers will also have national team considerations. Ueda is expected to be part of Japan’s squad for the upcoming Kirin Cup matches in June, while Pepi will be looking to secure his place in the United States’ squad for their summer friendlies ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The coming weeks will be crucial for both players as they look to make their case for inclusion in their respective national team squads for next summer’s World Cup. With the tournament being co-hosted by the United States, Pepi will be under particular pressure to perform on home soil.

The next chapter in this striker comparison comes on May 18 when Feyenoord and PSV meet at De Kuip in what could be a title-deciding match. Both Ueda and Pepi will have the opportunity to prove their worth on the biggest stage in Dutch football.