Women's Footballer of the Year Candidate Russo

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

Alessia Russo made history with her club as they emerged as the first British team to win the Women's Champions League since the North London side did in the 2000s, and also played a key role in leading England to the successful retention of their European Championship title.

She scored in the European Championship showpiece match and found her groove for her team, playing a crucial role throughout the season as an attacker and with her defensive efforts.

The forward was honored as the Football Writers' Association's top female player for the previous campaign.

She was the Women's Super League's co-leading goalscorer, earning a share of the top scorer award with Khadija Shaw.

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

She was also nominated for the prestigious individual award and named in the Professional Footballers' Association and the Uefa Champions League season's best XIs.

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

"My top performances come when I'm enjoying myself 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 so many fine margins. I continue to develop. We have great coaches here at Arsenal. There are top teammates to learn off 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 total emotional ride. 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 you've got to turn it around quickly. The schedule is relentless.

"I think the way that we won throughout that whole tournament was just grit and resilience. 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 occasionally you have to grind out results."

Discussing the European final:

"The main emotion that stands out from that entire occasion was just being so calm, like we knew our preparation was complete, we knew that we had the ability, and we knew that we trusted the game plan and what we aimed to achieve.

"Obviously playing against a side such as Barça, you've got to be comfortable not having the ball because their skill is exceptional. When they do have the ball, they retain it frequently.

"As players in the high press and out of possession, we were highly concentrated on our assigned tasks. 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 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 few times with my dad. Watching her internationally, too, she was just incredible. I wish that she could have played longer and still be playing now, but she ranks among the greats.

"I think anyone that has played with Kelly would agree and I never got the pleasure of doing that. But watching her was something that I always used to love."

The striker scored twelve goals in 21 games in the WSL last season to share the scoring award.

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

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

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

Her skill to drop deep, freeing herself from her opposing defender through quick, incisive runs was notable.

If a marker got too close, she used her physicality to draw fouls, helping her team secure the ball in the opponents' half. In the European tournament the prior year, nobody was fouled more than the forward (15).

When the play settles, Russo's touches are extremely efficient. Her frequent scanning of her surroundings means she remains aware of where rivals are.

Russo takes minimal touches on the ball, directing it away from opposing players marking closely, before locating nearby team-mates positioned facing towards the goal.

By retaining the ball in difficult scenarios, she is often capable to act as an release option for her team under pressure.

She can turn difficult passes into long periods of controlled play and such phases in the attacking zone result in scores, many of which she finishes personally.