However, some people questioned the appraisal solely based on the descriptions of "Taiheiki", and appreciate his natural gifts as a military commander on the grounds that the difference in popularity compared with Takauji was caused by a gap in familal status, that he occupied Kamakura for only a short time, and that he defeated Takauji, though temporarily, who possessed greater power.
しかし、『太平記』の物語描写のみからの評価を疑問視し、尊氏との人望の差はそもそも先祖からの家格の差が大きいことや、短期間で鎌倉を陥落させ、圧倒的な実力差があった尊氏を一時的にせよ撃破するなどの点から、武将としての資質を評価する意見もある。