Women's Soccer Player of the Year Candidate Alessia Russo

Years Old: 26 Position: Forward Teams: Arsenal and England

Alessia Russo made history with Arsenal as they emerged as the first British team to win the Women's Champions League since the Gunners did in the 2000s, and also played a key role in leading England to the defence of their continental crown.

She scored in the European Championship showpiece match and found her groove for her club, playing a crucial role throughout the season in front of goal and with her defensive efforts.

Russo was named the Football Writers' Association's women's footballer of the year for the previous campaign.

Russo finished as the Women's Super League's joint top scorer, sharing the top scorer award with her rival striker.

She scored twelve league goals for the club and set up for a couple more.

Her name was put forward for the prestigious individual award and named in the PFA and the European season's best XIs.

Her thoughts on personal development over the past year:

"I play my best football when I'm having fun and I know I'm training hard and I'm getting my work done, so that's something that are within my power.

"Numerous elements to a number nine position, 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 important matches come around, the more you do them, the more comfortable you become."

Reflecting on England's European triumph:

"The whole tournament was a total emotional ride. It was highs and lows. It tested us mentally. We were physically drained.

"I recall after the Sweden [quarter-final] game, many players were extremely sore and injured. 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.

"Facing 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 I can remember from that entire occasion was just being very composed, like we knew we'd done the work, we knew that we had the ability, and we knew that we trusted the strategy and what we wanted to do.

"Naturally playing against a team like Barcelona, you must accept not possessing the ball because their skill is exceptional. When in possession, they retain it frequently.

"As players 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 ultimately that's what got the job done. I think that you have to be content winning games like that as well."

Regarding her inspiration, Kelly Smith:

"I got the pleasure of seeing her play a few times with my father. Watching her internationally, too, her talent was remarkable. I wish that her career lasted more and she was active today, but she was one of the best ever.

"I believe anyone that has played with Kelly would say the same thing and I didn't have the chance of experiencing that. But watching her was someone that I always used to love."

The striker scored 12 goals in 21 games in the WSL the previous campaign to divide the Golden Boot.

Not only was she 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.

Team-mate a teammate regularly played forward balls into her, so effective ball retention was essential.

Russo's ability to drop deep, freeing herself from her nearby marker through sharp, darting movements stood out.

If a defender got in tight, Russo used her body well to win free-kicks, assisting the side secure the ball in the enemy territory. In the Champions' League last season, nobody was fouled more than the forward (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 locating nearby team-mates oriented forward.

By retaining the ball in tough situations, Russo is regularly able to act as an release option for her team under pressure.

She can convert tough balls into extended spells of stable possession and these possessions in the attacking zone result in scores, several of these she finishes personally.