As Japan aims to secure their fifth AFC Asian Cup title, a challenge they haven't conquered since their victory in 2011, a recurring concern in recent times has been the performance of their primary striker.

Japan has talented playmakers and skilled wingers, but they've had a hard time finding a reliable main striker for their attacks.

As Japan faces Bahrain in the round of 16 during their Asian Cup campaign on Wednesday, it seems they may have found a solution to their striker issue.

Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu's inclusion of four forward options in the squad for the Asian Cup in Qatar, despite usually relying on just one main forward, reflects his uncertainty regarding the ideal candidate to spearhead the team's attack.

His decision to deploy various players in the No. 9 position across Japan's three group stage matches underscores the dissatisfaction with the initial choices, Mao Hosoya and Takuma Asano, who may not have effectively fulfilled the role. Notably, Asano, though not a traditional striker, proved more impactful when positioned in wider roles.

Japan's fortunes may have taken a turn following their last Group D match, where a 3-1 victory against Indonesia was propelled by Ayase Ueda's two-goal performance. Ueda had previously contributed to the scoresheet by scoring after coming off the bench in their initial 4-2 triumph against Vietnam.

He secured his two goals in a straightforward manner: the first involved a composed penalty placed into the top corner, and the second was a straightforward finish after receiving an accurate low cross from Ritsu Doan while unmarked at the back post.

His clever off-the-ball maneuvers and effective hold-up play forced Jordi Amat into committing a foul inside the penalty area, leading to Ueda's opening goal from the spot. Additionally, Ueda's strategic movement initially positioned him in a vast amount of space, enabling him to score his second goal.

Known for his frequent adjustments, Moriyasu may have no reason to replace Ueda in the upcoming starting XI, not only for this tournament, where Japan aspires to end a 14-year championship drought but also considering Ueda's promising performance, which holds positive implications for their future.

Emerging from Japan's youth ranks since 2017, Ueda, though not a late bloomer, hasn't burst onto the scene like Shinji Kagawa or Takefusa Kubo. His steady performances with his childhood team, Kashima Antlers, in the J1 League led him to a move to Belgian Pro League's Cercle Brugge. His impressive single-season tally of 23 goals with Cercle Brugge paved the way for a significant transfer to Eredivisie champions Feyenoord last summer.

While names like Kaoru Mitoma, Wataru Endo, and Takumi Minamino may be more widely recognized, Ayase Ueda, at the age of 25, is gaining a growing reputation and approaching his prime. There's a concern about Ueda's goal-scoring prowess, crucial for Japan to compete not only among the top teams in Asia but on a global scale. However, Ueda's value often lies in his hard work, reminiscent of players like Shinji Okazaki or Yuya Osako, who previously held the No. 9 role in the Samurai Blue lineup for an extended period.

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