Alessia Russo: ‘Fantastic human’ shines in Arsenal WSL win at Everton
Russo’s performance at Goodison Park was presented as if he had overheard his manager’s pre-match praise.
He did “a lot” all over the pitch in Arsenal’s dominant win and thoroughly deserved the player of the match award.
Russo posted an xG of 1, accounting for 51.28% of Arsenal’s xG total of 1.95 on Saturday afternoon, hitting the target with four of his eight shots on target. He also had the most touches in the Everton penalty area among Arsenal players (16).
Often criticized for his lack of goals compared to fellow striker Blackstenius, Russo’s all-round play makes him a key component in Slegers’ system.
England team-mate Esme Morgan said on Sky Sports: “No less, he’s a complete player. “He offers the team so much more than just goals.
“When we play in England, most of the goals we score are with Less involved, four or five passes before the end. We have a lot of confidence in him.”
Morgan added: “It’s frustrating to hear people criticize him for his lack of goals. He brings so much and he does it selflessly. He acts as a unifier to make the rest of the team work better.”
