What is Russo's best position?
Where exactly is Arsenal's Alessia Russo most effective? When she won the Champions League last season, she did so playing as a central striker in Renee Slegers' 4-2-3-1 formation.
Where exactly is Arsenal's Alessia Russo most effective? When she won the Champions League last season, she did so playing as a central striker in Renee Slegers' 4-2-3-1 formation. Nine weeks later she scored the equaliser for England in the European Championship final against Spain with a predatory header from seven yards.
Leading the line is something she has done with great success in Europe this season, but it has been a different story in the Women's Super League. On many occasions domestically, Arsenal's number nine has drifted back to become a number 10 – a different emphasis but with a similarly devastating impact. It is a nice quandary for Slegers to ponder before the first leg of an intriguing Champions League quarter-final against WSL rivals Chelsea on Tuesday.
Objectively, Russo's record in the main forward role is excellent. Lethal in front of goal, she is two clear of Europe's best in the Champions League, with her expert finishing highlighted by how she has over-performed her expected goals (xG), scoring seven from an xG of 3. 49.
All her goals have come from inside the box and usually from a central position. Effectively, put her in the right place and she will find the back of the net. It is the type of profile that would not look unfamiliar for the players she admires.