Female Footballer of the Year Candidate Russo

Age: 26 Playing Role: Forward Clubs: The Gunners and England

The talented forward created a legacy with Arsenal as they emerged as the pioneering British team to claim victory in the prestigious European competition since the Gunners did in the 2000s, and also helped guide England to the successful retention of their continental crown.

Russo found the net in the European Championship final and hit top form for her club, playing a crucial role all campaign long in front of goal and with her defensive efforts.

Russo was honored as the FWA's women's footballer of the year for last season.

She was the WSL's co-leading goalscorer, earning a share of the Golden Boot with her rival striker.

Russo netted 12 WSL goals for the club and set up for a further two.

Her name was put forward for the prestigious individual award and named in the PFA and the Uefa Champions League teams of the year.

Her thoughts on personal development over the past year:

"My top performances come when I'm enjoying myself and I know my efforts in practice and I'm getting my work done, so those are aspects that I can always control.

"There's so many different aspects to a number nine position, it's so detailed and there are so many fine margins. I continue to develop. Our staff is excellent here at Arsenal. There are top teammates to learn off as well. Then when the big games arrive, the more you do them, the more comfortable you become."

Reflecting on England's European triumph:

"The whole tournament was a complete rollercoaster. There were ups and downs. It tested us mentally. We were physically drained.

"I recall after the Sweden [quarter-final] game, a lot of us were really, really battered and bruised. It was so intense. But recovery had to be swift. It moves so fast.

"I think the way that we won throughout that whole tournament was just determination and toughness. And I think that we knew that we had the squad, we knew that we had the necessary qualities.

"Facing the top sides in the world, the elite athletes in the world and sometimes you have to grind out results."

On the Champions League final:

"The overriding feeling that stands out from that entire occasion was just being so calm, like we knew our preparation was complete, we knew that we had what it takes, and we knew that we believed in the game plan and what we aimed to achieve.

"Naturally playing against a team like Barcelona, you must accept not having the ball because they're so talented. When in possession, they don't give it away frequently.

"We as athletes in the press and out of possession, we were really focused on our assigned tasks. It was a lot of running and a lot of defensive work. But in the end that's what got the job done. I think that you have to be OK securing victories in that manner as well."

On Arsenal and England legend Kelly Smith being her idol:

"I was fortunate of watching her a few times with my dad. Watching her internationally, too, her talent was remarkable. I hope that her career lasted more and still be playing now, but she ranks among the greats.

"I believe those who teamed up with her would say the same thing and I never got the pleasure of experiencing that. But observing her play was something that I always used to love."

Alessia Russo scored twelve goals in twenty-one games in the WSL the previous campaign to share the Golden Boot.

She was not just one of the deadliest players in the competition but Russo was also a persistent danger in the penalty area all season long, attempting more efforts (73) and recording a superior xG (9.7) than any other player.

Her capability to contribute to the team beyond scoring sets her apart.

Fellow player Mariona Caldentey often delivered forward balls into her, so effective ball retention was necessary.

Her skill to retreat into midfield, freeing herself from her nearby marker through sharp, darting movements stood out.

If a marker got in tight, Russo used her physicality to win free-kicks, helping her team secure the ball in the enemy territory. In the Champions' League the prior year, nobody was drawn more fouls than the forward (fifteen).

When the play settles, Russo's touches are extremely efficient. Her regular awareness of her environment means she stays conscious of where rivals are.

Russo takes few contacts on the ball, directing it away from defenders marking closely, before finding nearby team-mates oriented forward.

By retaining the ball in tough situations, Russo is often capable to act as an outlet for her side in trouble.

She can convert tough balls into long periods of stable possession and such phases in the attacking zone result in scores, several of these she finishes personally.