Women's Footballer of the Year Contender Alessia Russo

Age: 26 Playing Role: Forward Teams: Arsenal and England

Alessia Russo created a legacy with Arsenal as they emerged as the first English team to win the prestigious European competition since the North London side did in 2008, and also played a key role in leading the Lionesses to the successful retention of their continental title.

She scored 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 honored as the FWA's women's footballer of the year for last season.

She was the Women's Super League's co-leading goalscorer, sharing the top scorer award with her rival striker.

Russo netted 12 WSL goals for the club and provided assists 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 having fun and I know my efforts in practice and I'm getting my work done, so that's something that are within my power.

"Numerous elements to a number nine position, it's so detailed and there are tiny differences. I continue to develop. We have great coaches here at Arsenal. I have great players to learn off as well. Then when the big games come around, the greater your experience, the more you get used to them."

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 remember after the last-eight game, a lot of us were extremely sore and injured. 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 grit and resilience. And I think that we knew that we had the squad, we knew that we had the necessary qualities.

"Facing the best teams in the world, the elite athletes in the world and sometimes you have to win a little bit dirty."

Discussing the European final:

"The overriding feeling that stands out from that whole day 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 side such as Barça, you've got to be comfortable not possessing the ball because their skill is exceptional. When they do have the ball, they retain it that often.

"We as athletes in the press and defensively, 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. In my opinion you have to be content winning games like that as well."

Regarding her inspiration, Kelly Smith:

"I got the pleasure of watching her a couple of occasions with my dad. Seeing her for England, too, she was just incredible. 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 never got the pleasure of experiencing that. But observing her play was someone that I always used to love."

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

She was not just one of the deadliest players in the competition but Russo was also a constant threat in the penalty area throughout the campaign, attempting more efforts (seventy-three) and having a higher expected goals tally (nine point seven) than any other player.

Her capability to aid the side beyond scoring sets her apart.

Team-mate Mariona Caldentey often delivered forward balls into Russo, so strong hold-up play was necessary.

Her skill to retreat into midfield, freeing herself from her opposing defender through quick, incisive runs stood out.

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

When the ball does stick, her control are highly effective. Her regular awareness of her surroundings means she stays conscious of where opponents are.

Russo takes minimal touches on the ball, directing it away from defenders applying player-to-player pressure, before finding close colleagues positioned facing towards the goal.

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

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