Stephen Eustáquio, Jessie Fleming named Canada Soccer players of the year

Jessie Fleming and Stephen Eustáquio, two key cogs in the Canadian midfield, have been named Canada Soccer Players of the Year.

The two winners were decided by a vote of Canadian coaches and media for their performance over the year for both Canada and their club teams, England's Chelsea for Fleming and Portugal's FC Porto for Eustáquio.

It marks the third straight year that Fleming has won the award. And this year's honour is perhaps especially fitting, given that the 25-year-old from London, Ont., is seen as the heir apparent to Christine Sinclair as Canada captain.

The 40-year-old Sinclair, who played her last international game earlier this month, won the Canadian award 14 times. Fleming has worn the captain's armband when Sinclair didn't start in recent times.

WATCH | Fleming, teammates reflect on Sinclair's career:

It's a first win for Eustáquio, ending Alphonso Davies' three-year hold on the men's award run. The 23-year-old Bayern Munich fullback had won the award four of the last five years.

Davies was runner-up this year with Lille forward Jonathan David third. Celtic fullback Alistair Johnston and Watford's Ismael Kone finished in the top five.

Asked if he saw himself as a potential Canada captain Eustáquio said he just wants to help Canada win.

"I love to play for Canada. If they give me that responsibility, I'm ready for it. But if not, we continue. No problem," he said.

Fleming offered a similar response.

Arsenal forward Cloé Lacasse was the women's runner-up with Chelsea fullback/midfielder Ashley Lawrence third. Lyon centre back Vanessa Gilles and Aston Villa forward Adriana Leon rounded out the top five.

News of Fleming's award came 10 years to the day she made her senior debut for Canada as a