Women's Soccer Player of the Year Candidate Alessia Russo

Years Old: 26 Position: Striker Clubs: Arsenal and England

The talented forward created a legacy with her club as they became the pioneering English team to claim victory in the prestigious European competition since the North London side did in 2008, and also helped guide the Lionesses to the defence of their continental title.

Russo found the net in the European Championship showpiece match and found her groove for her club, making significant contributions throughout the season in front of goal and with her defensive efforts.

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

She was the Women's Super League's co-leading goalscorer, sharing the Golden Boot with her rival striker.

Russo netted 12 league goals for Arsenal and provided assists for a further two.

She was also nominated for the prestigious individual award and selected in the Professional Footballers' Association and the European season's best XIs.

Russo on how she feels she has improved over the previous season:

"I play my best football when I'm having fun and I'm confident I'm training hard and completing my tasks, so that's something that are within my power.

"Numerous elements to a number nine position, it's so detailed and there are so many fine margins. I'm always still learning. We have great coaches here at Arsenal. I have great players to gain knowledge from as well. Then when the important matches arrive, 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. It was taxing on our bodies.

"I recall after the last-eight game, a lot of us were really, really battered and bruised. The pressure was immense. But recovery had to be swift. It moves so fast.

"I think the way that we won throughout that whole tournament was just grit and resilience. And we were aware that we had the squad, we knew that we had what it takes.

"Facing the best teams in the world, the best players in the world and occasionally you have to grind out results."

On the Champions League final:

"The main emotion that I can remember from that whole day was just being very composed, like we were confident we'd done the work, we knew that we had the ability, and we knew that we believed in the strategy and what we aimed to achieve.

"Obviously playing against a side such as Barça, you must accept not possessing the ball because they're so talented. When in possession, they retain it that often.

"We as athletes in the press and defensively, we were highly concentrated on our job at hand. It was a lot of running and plenty of defending. But in the end that's what got the job done. I think that you have to be content securing victories in that manner as well."

Regarding her inspiration, Kelly Smith:

"I was fortunate of seeing her play a couple of occasions 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 was one of the best ever.

"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 something that I always used to love."

Alessia Russo notched 12 goals in 21 games in the Women's Super League the previous campaign to divide the Golden Boot.

Not only was she one of the most clinical players in the league but she was also a persistent danger 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 aid the side beyond scoring sets her apart.

Team-mate Mariona Caldentey regularly played forward balls into Russo, so strong hold-up play was essential.

Russo's ability to retreat into midfield, freeing herself from her opposing defender through sharp, darting movements stood out.

If a defender got in tight, Russo used her body well to draw fouls, helping her team secure the ball in the opponents' half. In the Champions' League the prior year, no player was fouled more than the Arsenal striker (15).

When the ball does stick, her control are extremely efficient. Her regular awareness of her surroundings means she remains aware of where rivals are.

She uses minimal touches on the ball, moving it clear from opposing players marking closely, before finding nearby team-mates positioned facing towards the goal.

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

She is able convert tough balls into extended spells of controlled play and such phases in the attacking zone result in scores, several of these she finishes personally.