Women's Soccer Player of the Year Contender Alessia Russo

Years Old: 26 Playing Role: Forward Teams: Arsenal and the English national team

The talented forward made history with Arsenal as they became the first British team to claim victory in 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 continental crown.

Russo found the net 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 defensive efforts.

Russo was named the Football Writers' Association's women's footballer of the year for last season.

She was the WSL's joint top scorer, sharing the Golden Boot with her rival striker.

Russo netted twelve WSL 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 Professional Footballers' Association and the Uefa Champions League season's best XIs.

Russo on how she feels she has improved over the past year:

"I play my best football when I'm having fun and I'm confident my efforts in practice and completing my tasks, so those are aspects that are within my power.

"Numerous elements to a number nine position, it's so detailed and there are so many fine margins. I continue to develop. Our staff is excellent here at the club. There are top teammates to gain knowledge from as well. Then when the important matches 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. It was highs and lows. It tested us mentally. It was taxing on our bodies.

"I remember 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 we were aware that we had the squad, we knew that we had what it takes.

"Facing 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 entire occasion was just being so calm, like we were confident our preparation was complete, we knew that we had the ability, and we knew that we trusted the strategy and what we aimed to achieve.

"Naturally playing against a side such as Barça, you must accept not having the ball because they're so talented. When in possession, they don't give it away that often.

"We as athletes in the high press and defensively, 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 OK winning games like that as well."

Regarding her inspiration, Kelly Smith:

"I got the pleasure of watching her a few times with my dad. Watching her internationally, too, she was just incredible. I hope that she could have played longer and still be playing now, but she ranks among the greats.

"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 always used to love."

Alessia Russo scored twelve goals in 21 games in the Women's Super League the previous campaign to divide the scoring award.

Not only was she one of the deadliest players in the competition but she was also a constant threat in the penalty area all season long, attempting more efforts (seventy-three) and recording a superior xG (9.7) than any other player.

Russo's ability to aid the side beyond scoring distinguishes her.

Fellow player Mariona Caldentey regularly played progressive passes into her, so effective ball retention was necessary.

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

If a defender got too close, she used her body well to draw fouls, assisting the side gain settled possession in the enemy territory. In the European tournament last season, no player was fouled more than the Arsenal striker (fifteen).

When the ball does stick, Russo's touches are extremely efficient. Her regular awareness of her surroundings means she stays conscious of where rivals are.

She uses minimal touches 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, she is often capable to act as an outlet for her team under pressure.

She can turn difficult passes into extended spells of controlled play and such phases in the attacking zone lead to goals, many of which she finishes personally.