Boasting two assists in her eight Champions League matches, Russo has a goal contribution per game figure of 1.13, behind only Klara Buhl of Bayern Munich (1.5) and Barcelona’s double Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas (1.17), who have both played fewer games.
Russo believes she has benefited from extra space in the revamped Champions League this season as she reckons teams are more willing to attack.
“You’re playing against champions of other countries and they are playing with less fear,” she said. “Teams give it a really good go.”
Perhaps this is why she has been able to clean up in Europe – and why she has spent 97% of her minutes operating in that central role.
For England, boss Sarina Wiegman is clear on how to deploy Russo.
“She can play both, and it’s nice to have options, but for us in the way we set up, her best position is as a number nine,” Wiegman said before the 2-0 win over Iceland this month.
For England at the Euros last summer, Russo’s role was even more centralised. She spent 14% of her time in the opposition box, sniffing out chances and occupying centre-backs.
Two goals and three assists came in that tournament, behind only Putellas for total goal contributions.
“As a nine, you’re obviously playing higher up, in and around the box, and reacting off instincts and small margins around the area,” Russo said.
“You are also the trigger for the press and the out-of-possession gameplan starts with you.”
