Women's Footballer of the Year Candidate Russo

Years Old: 26 Playing Role: Forward Clubs: Arsenal and the English national team

Alessia Russo created a legacy with her club as they became the pioneering British team to claim victory in the Women's Champions League since the Gunners did in 2008, and also helped guide the Lionesses to the defence of their European Championship crown.

Russo found the net in the European Championship showpiece match and hit top form for her club, making significant contributions all campaign long in front of goal and with her work off the ball.

The forward was named the Football Writers' Association's top female player for last season.

Russo finished as the WSL's joint top scorer, earning a share of the Golden Boot with Khadija Shaw.

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

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

Her thoughts on personal development over the previous season:

"My top performances come when I'm having fun and I'm confident I'm training hard and I'm getting my work done, so that's something that are within my power.

"There's so many different aspects to a number nine position, it's so detailed and there are so many fine margins. I'm always still learning. Our staff is excellent here at Arsenal. There are top teammates to gain knowledge from as well. Then when the big games come around, the greater your experience, the more comfortable you become."

Reflecting on England's European triumph:

"The entire competition was a complete rollercoaster. There were ups and downs. It tested us mentally. It was taxing on our bodies.

"I remember after the Sweden [quarter-final] game, many players were really, really battered and bruised. It was so intense. But you've got to turn it around quickly. The schedule is relentless.

"I think the way that we won during the event was just determination and toughness. And we were aware that we had the team, we knew that we had the necessary qualities.

"You're playing against the top sides in the world, the best players in the world and sometimes you have to grind out results."

On the Champions League final:

"The main emotion that I can remember 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 trusted the game plan and what we aimed to achieve.

"Naturally playing against a team like Barcelona, you've got to be comfortable not possessing the ball because they're so talented. When they do have the ball, they retain it that often.

"We as athletes in the press and out of possession, we were highly concentrated on our job at hand. There was extensive movement and a lot of defensive work. But ultimately that's what got the job done. I think that you have to be OK winning games like that as well."

On Arsenal and England legend Kelly Smith being her idol:

"I was fortunate of seeing her play a few times with my father. Watching her internationally, too, her talent was remarkable. I hope that she could have played longer and she was active today, but she was one of the best ever.

"I think those who teamed up with her would agree and I never got the pleasure of doing that. But observing her play was something that I always used to love."

Alessia Russo notched twelve goals in twenty-one games in the Women's Super League the previous campaign to share the scoring award.

Not only was she one of the most clinical players in the competition but Russo was also a persistent danger in the box throughout the campaign, attempting more efforts (73) and recording a superior xG (nine point seven) than all her peers.

Russo's ability to contribute to the team beyond scoring sets her apart.

Fellow player Mariona Caldentey often delivered progressive passes into her, so strong hold-up play was necessary.

Her skill to retreat into midfield, creating space from her opposing defender through sharp, darting movements stood out.

If a defender got too close, she used her physicality to draw fouls, assisting the side gain settled possession in the opponents' half. In the Champions' League last season, no player was fouled more than the Arsenal striker (fifteen).

When the ball does stick, Russo's touches are extremely efficient. Her frequent scanning of her environment means she remains aware of where opponents are.

Russo takes few contacts on the ball, directing it away from defenders marking closely, before finding close colleagues oriented forward.

By retaining the ball in tough situations, she is regularly able to act as an release option for her side in trouble.

She can convert tough balls into long periods of controlled play and these possessions in the attacking zone result in scores, many of which she ends up scoring herself.