The J.League on Monday announced the early leaders in 2017 J.League YBC Levain Cup New Hero Award voting following three rounds of the tournament’s group stage.

FC Tokyo midfielder Shoya Nakajima, Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo striker Daiki Suga and Sanfrecce Hiroshima midfielder Tsukasa Morishima are among the top 10, which did not include any defenders or goalkeepers.

Voting for the award, which recognises the tournament’s top player under the age of 23, is conducted by local media covering the tournament. 

The winner will be announced before the November 4 final at Saitama Stadium 2002.

[New Hero Award - Mid-Stage Top 10]

FW Daiki Suga (Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo)
MF Takumi Sasaki (Vegalta Sendai)
MF Keiya Shiihashi (Vegalta Sendai)
MF Atsushi Kurokawa (Omiya Ardija)
MF Kohei Tezuka (Kashiwa Reysol)
MF Shoya Nakajima (FC Tokyo)
FW Koki Ogawa (Jubilo Iwata)
MF Yuya Nakasaka (Vissel Kobe)
MF Tsukasa Morishima (Sanfrecce Hiroshima)
FW Kyosuke Tagawa (Sagan Tosu)

* Players not listed in order of votes received