Women's Footballer of the Year Candidate Russo

Age: 26 Position: Forward Clubs: Arsenal and England

Alessia Russo made history with her club as they became the first British team to claim victory in the prestigious European competition since the Gunners did in the 2000s, and also played a key role in leading England to the defence of their continental title.

Russo found the net in the European Championship showpiece match and hit top form for her club, making significant contributions throughout the season as an attacker and with her defensive efforts.

The forward was named the FWA's top female player for the previous campaign.

Russo finished as the Women's Super League's joint top scorer, sharing the top scorer award with Khadija Shaw.

Russo netted twelve 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 Uefa Champions League season's best XIs.

Russo on how she feels she has improved over the previous season:

"I play my best football when I'm having fun and I'm confident my efforts in practice and I'm getting my work done, so that's something that are within my power.

"Numerous elements to a striker's role, it requires precision and there are tiny differences. I'm always still learning. Our staff is excellent here at the club. I have great players to gain knowledge from as well. Then when the big games come around, the more you do them, the more you get used to them."

Reflecting on England's European triumph:

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

"I recall after the last-eight game, a lot of us were really, really battered and bruised. It was so intense. But recovery had to be swift. The schedule is relentless.

"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 what it takes.

"You're playing against the best teams in the world, the elite athletes in the world and occasionally you have to win a little bit dirty."

On the Champions League final:

"The overriding feeling that stands out from that whole day was just being very composed, like we were confident 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.

"Obviously playing against a side such as Barça, you must accept not having the ball because their skill is exceptional. When in possession, they retain it frequently.

"We as athletes in the high press and defensively, we were highly concentrated on our assigned tasks. There was extensive movement and plenty of defending. But ultimately that led to success. In my opinion you have to be content winning games like that as well."

On Arsenal and England legend Kelly Smith being her idol:

"I got the pleasure of seeing her play a couple of occasions with my dad. Seeing her for England, too, her talent was remarkable. I hope that she could have played longer and still be playing now, but she was one of the best ever.

"I believe anyone that has played with Kelly would agree and I didn't have the chance of doing that. But observing her play was someone that I greatly admired."

The striker scored twelve goals in twenty-one games in the Women's Super League the previous campaign to share the Golden Boot.

Not only was she one of the most clinical players in the league but Russo was also a constant threat in the penalty area throughout the campaign, taking more shots (73) and recording a superior xG (nine point seven) than any other player.

Her capability to aid the side outside of her goals sets her apart.

Fellow player a teammate often delivered progressive passes into her, so effective ball retention was essential.

Her skill to drop deep, freeing herself from her opposing defender through sharp, darting movements was notable.

If a marker got in tight, Russo used her physicality to win free-kicks, assisting the side gain settled possession in the enemy territory. In the European tournament last season, no player was drawn more fouls than the Arsenal striker (15).

When the play settles, her control are highly effective. Her regular awareness of her environment means she stays conscious of where rivals are.

She uses minimal touches on the ball, moving it clear from defenders marking closely, before locating nearby team-mates 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 is able turn difficult passes into long periods of stable possession and such phases in the attacking zone lead to goals, many of which she ends up scoring herself.