Dutch pundit reveals Liverpool manager Arne Slot is a big fan of Japan international

Liverpool manager Arne Slot is a big fan of his former player, Feyenoord striker Ayase Ueda, and backed him when others doubted. That’s according to Dutch pundit Hans Kraay Junior.

He’s been speaking to Voetbal International, relayed by Voetbal Primeur. During that conversation he revealed the Liverpool manager remains a firm fan of his former striker.

Ueda has been in fine form this season, with 19 goals in 21 games in all competitions for Feyenoord to date. He has 18 in 15 in the Eredivisie alone.

He’s already doubled the nine goals in 31 he managed last season, firmly establishing himself as a key man in this Feyenoord side.

It’s been a steady rise for the 27-year-old, who initially played a back up role behind Santiago Gimenez after arriving in an €8m deal in 2023. His first season saw him score just five goals in 37 games as a result, with his second seeing him improve on that, albeit just by four with nine in total in 31.

Arne Slot faith vindicated

GRONINGEN, NETHERLANDS – SEPTEMBER 28 2025: Ayase Ueda of Feyenoord celebrates after scoring his sides first goal with Jordan Bos of Feyenoord during a Dutch Eredivise at Euroborg

Five of his goals came in 36 appearances under Arne Slot, before his eventual move to Liverpool in the summer of 2024. But, according to Kraay Junior, the Reds boss had no doubts the striker would come good.

“Misjudged, misjudged; of course, he was behind Santiago Gimenez, who was often in top form and therefore also found the net quite often,” he said.

“So, whether we were wrong isn’t important, but Arne Slot—credit where credit is due—has told us and me several times when we asked about Ueda’s potential.

Hugo Ekitike has sent a clear and confident message ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Brighton and Hove Albion, boldly claiming that he would score a hat-trick if Mohamed Salah supplies him with the chances.

Speaking ahead of the highly anticipated Premier League encounter, the forward expressed his belief in both his own finishing ability and Salah’s creativity. According to Ekitike, playing alongside a world-class creator like the Egyptian winger could be the key to unlocking Brighton’s defense.

> “With a player like Salah, you only need the right movement,” Ekitike reportedly said. “If he passes the ball to me in the right moments, I am confident I can score three goals against Brighton.”

The statement has quickly grabbed attention among Liverpool fans, especially as Salah continues to be the Reds’ main attacking outlet. The Egyptian has been in fine form this season, consistently creating chances and leading the line with experience and quality. Ekitike believes that a partnership between them could be devastating.

Brighton, known for their structured build-up play and high defensive line, could be vulnerable to quick transitions and sharp runs in behind—an area where Ekitike feels he can thrive. His pace, movement, and confidence in front of goal make him a potential threat if given the service.

While some may view Ekitike’s comments as ambitious, others see it as the mindset of a striker hungry to make a statement on the big stage. Liverpool supporters will be eager to see whether this confidence translates into goals on matchday.

All eyes will now be on Salah’s right foot—and whether Ekitike gets the chances he believes will lead to a memorable hat-trick against Brighton and Hove Albion.

Liverpool player ratings, winners and losers vs Brighton as Hugo Ekitike scored twice and Mohamed Salah made a successful return to action a week aseemed keen to make a point — no prizes for guessing why — as he ran hard and made himself a real team player. What happens next remains to be seen, but is he finished at the highest level? Clearly not.

Losers

Joe Gomez looked good until he went off with another injury, which has been a cruel pattern throughout his career to date. The 28-year-old would have got many more appearances for the Reds in the last decade had he been fit enough.

The latest issue and its severity remains to be seen, but it would be a major blow to lose him when he has been playing well — and there aren’t many alternatives. It was the only negative of the afternoon.

Player ratings

Alisson Becker (7). Made a big save from Diego Gomez around 14 minutes into the game. That was a big moment, even if some of his distribution wasn’t perfect at times. He had to play his part.

Joe Gomez (6). Very adventurous going forward and was given the space to exploit. Some good attacking movements and balls into the box, including the assist for the opener with his head, but had to go off injured early on, limiting his mark.

Ibrahima Konate (7). For the second game in a row, he got through without making a huge error. This was a decent showing again from the 26-year-old, who appears to have addressed the slide. Booked for a hard tackle on halfway.

Virgil van Dijk (8). Some good distribution from the Dutchman, who performed well at the back and marshalled his side into position. Like midweek, looked much more comfortable with the extra bodies in front of him. Got through some work as Brighton pressed for a goal late on.

Milos Kerkez (7). Facing Yankuba Minteh, the former Bournemouth ace was very good at closing down his man. He likes to dive in at times but chose his moments well and just about got away with a bit of rashness.

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Ryan Gravenberch (8). Front-footed and more than willing to take up positions much higher than a natural number six, Gravenberch looked like his usual self. That certainly hasn’t always been the case this season. Confident and composed.

Curtis Jones (8). Full of energy and quality with and without the ball. He was very good at the San Siro midweek and carried on where he left off. At his best and when he’s in his rhythm, he’s brilliant. That’s exactly what he was here, particularly first half.

Dominik Szoboszlai (7). Like Jones, he seemed to be playing a variety of roles, though he was technically starting from the right. He did well there and slotted in seamlessly at right-back when Gomez went off. Managed to run off a knock that looked painful.

Alexis Mac Allister (7). In a more advanced midfield position than he often plays, the Argentine floated around a little and wasn’t tasked with running as much as his teammates, but he still got stuck in. It’s where he likes to play, and it suits him.

Florian Wirtz (8). Starting on the left and coming inside, the German was full of his usual vigor and vibrance in possession. He ran hard to help out Kerkez and showed some real class on the ball. It seems like he’s getting up to speed in the Premier League.

Hugo Ekitike (9). Opening the scoring after 46 seconds, the French forward took the goal well and looked lively. He was loving the space that Brighton left in behind to run into, and linked with his teammates really well. The match-winner.

Substitutesfter his explosive interview