The path to World Cup qualification is never without its obstacles, and Japan is now facing a significant one with the absence of star striker Ayase Ueda for their upcoming matches against Indonesia and China. The Samurai Blue, who currently sit atop Group C with a five-point lead, must now find a way to fill the void left by their talismanic forward as they look to secure their place at the 2026 tournament.
Ueda’s Importance to Japan’s Attack
Ayase Ueda has been an integral part of Japan’s success in recent years, with his contributions extending far beyond his impressive goal-scoring record. Since cementing his place as the team’s first-choice striker following the 2022 World Cup, Ueda has netted 14 goals in just 18 appearances, showcasing his clinical finishing abilities.
However, it’s not just his proficiency in finding the back of the net that makes Ueda so valuable to the Japanese side. His strong hold-up play and ability to bring his teammates into the game have been crucial in enabling Japan’s fluid, attacking style of football. As the focal point of the team’s 3-2-4-1 formation, Ueda’s presence allows the likes of Takumi Minamino, Takefusa Kubo, and Kaoru Mitoma to thrive in their respective roles.
The Celtic Connection
With Ueda sidelined, Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu must now consider his options for the upcoming fixtures. One potential solution lies in the Scottish Premiership, where Celtic duo Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda have been in scintillating form. Furuhashi, in particular, has been a revelation since joining the Hoops, averaging over a goal every other game for the past three and a half seasons.
Despite his prolific goal-scoring record, Furuhashi has found himself on the fringes of the national team setup, with Moriyasu opting to leave him out of both the 2022 World Cup and the 2023 AFC Asian Cup squads. However, Ueda’s injury could present the Celtic star with a golden opportunity to prove his worth on the international stage.
Eredivisie’s Rising Star
Another option for Japan comes in the form of Koki Ogawa, a rising star in the Eredivisie with NEC Nijmegen. Despite being relatively new to the international scene, Ogawa has already made a significant impact, scoring seven goals in as many appearances for his country. His physical presence and target-man qualities could make him the closest like-for-like replacement for Ueda in Japan’s system.
The Ohashi Wildcard
A final, intriguing option for Moriyasu comes in the form of Yuki Ohashi, whose meteoric rise over the past year has seen him go from J1 League newcomer to Championship goal-scorer. After netting 16 times in just 27 appearances for Sanfrecce Hiroshima, Ohashi secured a move to Blackburn Rovers, where he has continued to impress despite a recent goal drought.
Ohashi’s intelligent movement, ability to hold up the ball, and keen eye for goal could make him a dark horse candidate to lead the line for Japan in Ueda’s absence. While he may lack the international experience of his counterparts, his form and skill set could be too good for Moriyasu to ignore.
Tactical Flexibility
Regardless of who Moriyasu ultimately chooses to fill Ueda’s boots, Japan will need to adapt their tactics to suit the strengths of their new striker. While Furuhashi and Maeda may not possess the same physical presence as Ueda, their speed and tenacity could prove invaluable in pressing from the front and exploiting spaces behind opposition defenses.
Alternatively, if Ogawa or Ohashi get the nod, Japan may opt for a more direct approach, utilizing their aerial prowess and hold-up play to bring the likes of Minamino, Kubo, and Mitoma into the game. This tactical flexibility could prove key in navigating the challenges posed by Indonesia and China, as well as any future obstacles on the road to World Cup qualification.
The Road Ahead
As Japan prepares for life without Ayase Ueda, the focus will be on who can step up and fill the void left by their talismanic striker. With a wealth of options at his disposal, Hajime Moriyasu faces a difficult decision in selecting the right player to lead the line in these crucial qualifiers.
Whether it’s the Celtic connection of Furuhashi and Maeda, the Eredivisie’s rising star in Ogawa, or the wildcard option of Ohashi, Japan will need their chosen striker to hit the ground running if they are to maintain their momentum in Group C and take another step closer to the 2026 World Cup.
As the Samurai Blue embark on this new challenge, one thing remains certain: the team’s success will depend not only on individual performances but on their ability to adapt, evolve, and unite in the face of adversity. With a place at the World Cup on the line, Japan will need to dig deep and showcase the resilience that has made them a force to be reckoned with in Asian football.
