Women's Soccer Player of the Year Candidate Russo

Years Old: 26 Position: Striker Clubs: Arsenal and the English national team

The talented forward created a legacy with her club as they became the first English team to win the Women's Champions League since the Gunners did in 2008, and also helped guide England to the successful retention of their continental title.

She scored in the European Championship showpiece match and found her groove for her club, making significant contributions all campaign long in front of goal and with her defensive efforts.

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

She was the Women's Super League'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.

She was also nominated for the prestigious individual award and selected in the PFA 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 enjoying myself and I'm confident I'm training hard and I'm getting my work done, so that's something that are within my power.

"There's so many different aspects to a striker's role, 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 learn off as well. Then when the big games come around, the more you do them, the more you get used to them."

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 remember 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 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 best teams 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 very composed, like we were confident our preparation was complete, we knew that we had the ability, and we knew that we believed in the strategy and what we wanted to do.

"Obviously 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 really focused on our job at hand. There was extensive movement and plenty of defending. But in the end that led to success. In my opinion you have to be content winning games like that as well."

On Arsenal and England legend Kelly Smith being her idol:

"I was fortunate of watching her a couple of occasions with my father. Seeing her for England, too, her talent was remarkable. I hope that her career lasted more and she was active today, but she was one of the best ever.

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

The striker notched 12 goals in 21 games in the Women's Super League the previous campaign to share the scoring award.

She was not just one of the most clinical players in the league but Russo was also a persistent danger in the penalty area throughout the campaign, taking more shots (73) and having a higher expected goals tally (9.7) than all her peers.

Her capability to contribute to the team beyond scoring sets her apart.

Fellow player a teammate often delivered progressive passes into Russo, so strong hold-up play was necessary.

Her skill to drop deep, freeing herself from her opposing defender through quick, incisive runs was notable.

If a defender got too close, she used her body well to draw fouls, assisting the side gain settled possession in the opponents' half. In the Champions' League last season, nobody was fouled more than the forward (fifteen).

When the ball does stick, her control are extremely efficient. Her frequent scanning of her surroundings means she stays conscious of where opponents are.

She uses minimal touches on the ball, directing it away from opposing players applying player-to-player pressure, before locating close colleagues positioned facing towards the goal.

By retaining the ball in tough situations, she is regularly able to act as an outlet for her team under pressure.

She can turn difficult passes into long periods of controlled play and these possessions in the attacking zone result in scores, many of which she ends up scoring herself.