The J.League on Thursday announced Yokohama F.Marinos forward Manabu Saito has been crowned the MEIJI YASUDA J1 League Coca Cola MVP for August.

The winger received the recognition for his three goals and two assists in August, in particular his brace in the 4-0 win against Urawa Reds as F.Marinos went on a run of four straight victories. 

Saito was credited for his seamless adaptation from being a playmaker early in the season to that of a finisher in these latter stages, while his 101 sprints in August were a team-best.

Meanwhile, the MEIJI YASUDA J2 League winner was Jubilo Iwata striker Jay Bothroyd, whose six goals in four games moved him to the top of the second division’s scoring table. 

The Englishman’s hat trick against Kyoto Sanga was perhaps the highlight of his incredible month, during which he guided 84.6 per cent of his shots on target.