Women's Soccer Player of the Year Contender Russo

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

The talented forward created a legacy with her club as they emerged as the first British 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 defence of their European Championship title.

She scored in the European Championship showpiece match and hit top form for her club, making significant contributions all campaign long as an attacker and with her defensive efforts.

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

Russo finished as the WSL's co-leading goalscorer, earning a share of the Golden Boot with Khadija Shaw.

Russo netted twelve league goals for the club and provided assists for a couple more.

Her name was put forward for the prestigious individual award and selected in the PFA and the Uefa Champions League teams of the year.

Her thoughts on personal development over the previous season:

"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 those are aspects 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 Arsenal. There are top teammates to gain knowledge from as well. Then when the big games come around, the more you do them, 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 was emotionally really hard. 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.

"In my view 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 what it takes.

"You're playing against the top sides in the world, the best players in the world and sometimes you have to win a little bit dirty."

On the Champions League final:

"The overriding feeling that I can remember from that whole day 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 game plan and what we aimed to achieve.

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

"As players in the press and defensively, we were really focused on our job at hand. It was a lot of running and plenty of defending. 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 was fortunate of watching her a couple of occasions with my father. Seeing her for England, too, her talent was remarkable. I wish 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 experiencing that. But watching her was someone that I always used to love."

The striker notched 12 goals in 21 games in the WSL last season to divide the Golden Boot.

Not only was she one of the most clinical players in the competition but she was also a constant threat in the penalty area throughout the campaign, taking more shots (seventy-three) and having a higher expected goals tally (nine point seven) than any other player.

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

Team-mate Mariona Caldentey often delivered forward balls into her, so effective ball retention was necessary.

Her skill to retreat into midfield, freeing herself from her nearby marker through sharp, darting movements stood out.

If a defender got in tight, she used her physicality to win free-kicks, helping her team secure the ball in the opponents' half. In the European tournament last season, nobody was fouled more than the Arsenal striker (15).

When the play settles, Russo's touches are highly effective. Her regular awareness of her surroundings means she remains aware of where rivals are.

She uses few contacts on the ball, directing it away from defenders marking closely, before finding nearby team-mates positioned facing towards the goal.

By keeping possession in tough situations, Russo is regularly able to act as an outlet for her team under pressure.

She is able convert tough balls into extended spells of stable possession and these possessions in the opponent's final third lead to goals, many of which she ends up scoring herself.