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 have so far failed to fully nail down a new starting right-back following Trent Alexander-Arnold’s summer exit.

The Real Madrid star was a shoo-in across almost a decade with the Reds and has proven difficult to replace for Arne Slot.

Liverpool signed Jeremie Frimpong as a nominal successor to Alexander-Arnold, but the Dutchman has run into a series of injury problems during his first months at the club.

Liverpool ready to try again for Marco Palestra

Given how little has been seen of Frimpong since his arrival, it is slightly difficult to judge exactly whether Liverpool need to sign another new right-back.

However, the feeling is that Liverpool could have probably done with looking at a more orthodox player for the position last summer.

As per Italian outlet Calciomercato, Liverpool did actually attempt to do this in making an offer for Atalanta’s Marco Palestra.

They claim the Reds made a £17.5m bid to sign Palestra before the season started. Keen to send the 20-year-old out on-loan instead, Atalanta rejected the offer.

The attempt to buy Palestra – who ultimately joined Cagliari on a temporary basis – was said to have been part of a wider initiative from Liverpool to scout promising young Italian players, one which led to the signing of Giovanni Leoni.

Despite being knocked back, the Reds are reportedly still interested in Palestra, but have now been joined by ‘almost all of Europe’s top clubs’ as the youngster impresses with Cagliari.