Yoshinori Muto has been one of the best players in the 2023 Meiji Yasuda J1 League and he kicked it up a notch in June, putting together a string of performances so good that he has been awarded the Konami Monthly MVP.

Despite Vissel Kobe playing just two matches in the month, Muto had two goals and two assists. He started by picking up the helper on Vissel’s lone goal against Cerezo Osaka, making a gorgeous run and feed. Then, he was the star of the show against Avispa Fukuoka, delivering the pass for the first goal, sliding the ball right into the corner for the second and blasting the ball home on the full volley for the Ushi’s third.

Muto is the second straight Vissel player to win Monthly MVP, following up Yuya Osako in May.

In J2, top honors for the month went to Machida Zelvia’s Erik, who is a two-time winner this season after winning the award in the season’s opening month as well.

Erik had four goals and four assists in four June matches to continue his spectacular campaign. He had at least one goal or two assists in each Machida Zelvia contest for the month, helping lead them to an undefeated June.

The Konami Monthly MVP in J3 was given to Kataller Toyama’s Yoji Sasaki, who had four goals and three assists for his team in June. Kataller took 10 of 12 points in the month and finished the month atop the table, so Sasaki’s outstanding play made a massive impact.