Women's Footballer of the Year Candidate Russo

Age: 26 Playing Role: Forward Clubs: Arsenal and the English national team

The talented forward created a legacy with Arsenal as they became the pioneering British team to win the Women's Champions League since the Gunners did in the 2000s, and also helped guide England to the successful retention of their European Championship crown.

Russo found the net in the European Championship final and hit top form for her team, making significant contributions throughout the season in front of goal and with her defensive efforts.

The forward was named the FWA's women's footballer of the year for last season.

Russo finished as the WSL's co-leading goalscorer, earning a share of the top scorer award with her rival striker.

She scored twelve league goals for the club and provided assists 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.

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

"I play my best football when I'm enjoying myself and I'm confident my efforts in practice and I'm getting my work done, so that's something that are within my power.

"Numerous elements to a striker's role, it requires precision and there are tiny differences. I continue to develop. Our staff is excellent here at the club. There are top teammates 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 complete rollercoaster. It was highs and lows. It tested us mentally. We were physically drained.

"I remember after the Sweden [quarter-final] game, a lot of us were really, really battered and bruised. The pressure was immense. But you've got to turn it around quickly. It moves so fast.

"I think 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 the necessary qualities.

"You're playing against the top sides in the world, the best players in the world and occasionally 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 were confident 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've got to be comfortable not having the ball because they're so talented. When in possession, they retain it frequently.

"We as athletes in the press and defensively, we were really focused on our job at hand. It was a lot of running and a lot of defensive work. But in the end 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 dad. Watching her internationally, too, she was just incredible. I hope that her career lasted more and still be playing now, but she ranks among the greats.

"I think anyone that has played with Kelly would agree and I didn't have the chance of experiencing that. But observing her play was someone that I greatly admired."

The striker notched twelve goals in 21 games in the Women's Super League last season to share the scoring award.

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, attempting more efforts (seventy-three) and recording a superior xG (9.7) than any other player.

Her capability to contribute to the team beyond scoring distinguishes her.

Fellow player Mariona Caldentey regularly played progressive passes into Russo, so strong hold-up play was necessary.

Her skill to drop deep, freeing herself 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 gain settled possession in the enemy territory. In the European tournament last season, nobody was drawn more fouls than the forward (fifteen).

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

Russo takes few contacts on the ball, moving it clear from defenders applying player-to-player pressure, before locating nearby team-mates oriented forward.

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 long periods of controlled play and these possessions in the attacking zone result in scores, several of these she ends up scoring herself.