Why Alessia Russo is Arsenal’s Most Crucial Player Right Now
The remarkable form of Alessia Russo: Arsenal's prolific goalscorer and one of the best strikers in world football today.
When Alessia Russo signed for Arsenal in the summer of 2023, the pressure to deliver was undeniable. Following failed contract negotiations with Manchester United, Russo became one of the most sought-after free agents in women’s football. Arsenal, a club with lofty ambitions, wasted no time, wrapping up her signing on July 4, 2023, just before the Women’s World Cup.
Russo went on to shine during the World Cup, scoring a pivotal goal in England’s 3-1 semi-final victory over Australia. Her performances heightened expectations for her debut season at Arsenal, where she joined under manager Jonas Eidevall amid discussions about the futures of Stina Blackstenius and Vivianne Miedema. With Russo’s arrival, the question loomed: how would she fit in this Eidevall system?
2023/24: A Solid First Season
Russo made her mark in her debut campaign; in the 31 games that Arsenal played, she started 24 of them. She scored 14 goals, proving decisive in games against Leicester, Chelsea, and Brighton, among others. Despite these contributions, her first season wasn’t without challenges.
In the UEFA Champions League qualifiers at the start of the season, she started alongside Blackstenius against Linköping but came off the bench in the second match against Paris FC. While she scored twice to keep Arsenal in the game, a missed penalty in the shootout saw the team suffer a shock exit. This defeat brought a wave of criticism from rival fans, mocking her move to Arsenal to play Champions League football only to be eliminated early.
Russo also faced scrutiny for not scoring as prolifically as some hoped. Yet, her performances from the offset highlighted her other strengths - holding up the ball, creating opportunities for teammates, and dribbling past defenders.
2024/25: A Breakout Year?
In her second season, Russo has silenced her critics. With 16 games played (14 starts) and 10 goals already, she’s been instrumental in Arsenal’s domestic and European campaigns. Her highlights include a brace against Aston Villa and crucial goals in the Champions League against Valerenga and Bayern.
Russo’s improvement lies in her versatility and ability to adapt. She’s played as a lone striker, alongside Blackstenius, and even as a number 10. However, it’s as a true number 9 that Russo has truly flourished this season, excelling in taking first-time shots and increasing her goal-scoring efficiency.
The Russo-Blackstenius Dynamic:
Russo’s presence has inevitably impacted Blackstenius’s role at Arsenal. The two have occasionally played together, but Russo’s form as a centre-forward has made her undroppable. While Blackstenius brings pace and an ability to run in behind defenses, Russo’s hold-up play and clinical finishing give Arsenal a different edge. Interim manager Renée Slegers has carefully managed their roles, using Blackstenius as a tactical option when a change in approach is needed.
Looking Ahead:
At just 25 years old, Russo appears to be entering the prime of her career. Undeniably one of the club's most influential players, she has become indispensable to their success under Slegers. With a sharpened scoring touch and the ability to lead the line with authority, Russo has proven she’s far more than a marquee signing—she’s a foundational piece of Arsenal’s present and future.
Arsenal’s success hinges on their ability to find the back of the net, a shortfall that cost them crucial results last season due to inconsistent finishing. Slegers highlighted the importance of addressing these "fine margins," and Russo has risen to the challenge. Her contributions go beyond her growing goal tally; her commanding performances have been pivotal to Arsenal’s resurgence.
she's been their best player this season