The more and more I watch of Alessia Russo, the more impressed I become. Since coming to Arsenal in the summer, she has really hit the ground running and slotted into Jonas Eidevall’s Arsenal Women’s side no problem. Since joining Arsenal on a free transfer from rivals Manchester United in the summer, Russo has done nothing but impress me and prove to the Arsenal Women’s fans why the club were so set on bringing her in.
Reportedly, Manchester United originally rejected a world record bid for Russo last January but Arsenal Women were happy to wait until the summer and managed to grab the talented striker for free. Russo, who is a 24-year-old England international, is known for her goal scoring abilities and just pure talent when on the ball but I never thought she was this good.
It’s not just her work on the ball that’s impressed me but more her movements when off the ball, she seems to get into all the right positions like its second nature to her, reading the game better than most strikers I’ve ever seen. She uses her body to hold up play and her strength to be able to turn her back to the goal and set up a pass to then hopefully run onto.
Against Bristol City on Sunday her class was evident, and she probably won my POTM, although she didn’t get on the score sheet, she was a big reason as to why we won Rival teams know she is our main target woman and because of this they try to man mark her and overload her, but in doing so, she takes players away from her teammates on the ball, which creates more space and more opportunities and space for our players to get into.
So not only is she a proven goal scorer, but she’s also a player who seems to be playing for the team and not for herself, which is a great quality in a footballer. Many of her teammates would have known how good she was before she arrived, but like me, I’m sure they’re surprised by how much she has already brought to Jonas Eidevall’s system.
She looks dangerous whenever the ball is at her feet and I feel like we’ve somehow pulled off one of the best transfers in Arsenal Women’s history and we managed to do it for free.
What’s your thoughts on Russo’s performances so far Gooners?
Daisy Mae
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I agree with that article. Russo’s work rate is so much more than most players, strikers or otherwise. Her movement, holding up the play, leading the line, defending, midfield ball winning to name just a few. It is a wonder she has time to score goals. She really is a landmark signing for Arsenal WFC, one other clubs would have cut off their right arm for. (So to speak) An asset to be valued, protected and nurtured.