Women's Soccer Player of the Year Contender Russo

Years Old: 26 Position: Forward Teams: The Gunners and England

The talented forward created a legacy with Arsenal as they emerged as the pioneering 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 successful retention of their European Championship title.

Russo found the net in the European Championship showpiece match and found her groove for her team, playing a crucial role all campaign long in front of goal and with her defensive efforts.

The forward was honored as the FWA's top female player for last season.

Russo finished as the Women's Super League's joint top scorer, earning a share of the top scorer award with Khadija Shaw.

She scored 12 WSL goals for Arsenal and provided assists for a couple more.

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

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

"I play my best football when I'm enjoying myself and I know my efforts in practice and completing my tasks, so that's something that are within my power.

"There's so many different aspects to a number nine position, it requires precision and there are so many fine margins. I'm always still learning. Our staff is excellent here at Arsenal. I have great players to learn off as well. Then when the big games arrive, the more you do them, the more comfortable you become."

Reflecting on England's European triumph:

"The whole tournament was a complete rollercoaster. It was highs and lows. It was emotionally really hard. It was taxing on our bodies.

"I recall after the Sweden [quarter-final] game, a lot of us were really, really battered and bruised. It was so intense. But recovery had to be swift. It moves so fast.

"In my view the way that we won during the event was just determination and toughness. And I think that we knew that we had the squad, we knew that we had the necessary qualities.

"You're playing against 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 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 what it takes, and we knew that we believed in 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 they're so talented. When in possession, they don't give it away that often.

"We as athletes in the press and defensively, we were highly concentrated on our job at hand. There was extensive movement and plenty of defending. But in the end that's what got the job done. In my opinion 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 wish that her career lasted more and still be playing now, but she ranks among the greats.

"I believe those who teamed up with her would agree and I didn't have the chance of doing that. But watching her was someone that I greatly admired."

The striker notched 12 goals in twenty-one games in the WSL last season to divide the scoring award.

She was not just one of the most clinical players in the league but she was also a persistent danger in the box all season long, taking more shots (73) and recording a superior xG (9.7) than any other player.

Her capability to aid the side beyond scoring distinguishes her.

Team-mate a teammate often delivered forward balls into her, so strong hold-up play was essential.

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

If a defender got in tight, Russo used her body well to draw fouls, assisting the side secure the ball in the enemy territory. In the European tournament last season, nobody was fouled more than the forward (15).

When the ball does stick, Russo's touches are extremely efficient. Her frequent scanning of her environment means she stays conscious of where opponents are.

Russo takes few contacts on the ball, directing it away from opposing players applying player-to-player pressure, before locating close colleagues oriented forward.

By keeping possession in tough situations, Russo is often capable to act as an release option for her team under pressure.

She can convert tough balls into long periods of stable possession and such phases in the attacking zone result in scores, several of these she finishes personally.