Ayaka Yamashita of INAC Kobe Leonessa was selected as the first MVP = Most Valuable Player of the WE League, a professional soccer league.
The WE League, the first professional soccer league in Japan, was played until last month, and Leonessa became the first champion.
On the 7th, the "WE League Awards" was held to commend the players and managers who played an active part in this season in Tokyo, and Leonessa goalkeeper Yamashita was selected as the best player.
Yamashita, who made a full appearance in 19 games excluding the final game this season, demonstrated his stable defensive ability and contributed greatly to the team's victory by keeping the number of goals conceded to 7 throughout the season.
In addition, the best eleven was selected from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Urawa Reds, including Yuika Sugasawa, who won the top scorer, as well as four from Leonessa, including Yamashita, and from Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Bellaza as a defender. Risa Shimizu has been selected.
Yamashita "I didn't think the goalkeeper could be an MVP."
Ayaka Yamashita, the first MVP of the WE League, received a glass shield from Homare Sawa, who was active in Nadeshiko Japan.
Yamashita said, "I think there were few goals because everyone on the team desperately chased the ball. I was very happy because I didn't think the goalkeeper could get an MVP."