Alessia Russo: The Unstoppable Force Destined to Dominate as Lionesses' Star Striker at the Women's World Cup

Strikers' success rate on a football field is often determined within seconds, within a limited timeframe. They patiently await the opportune moment, ready to seize it, constantly scanning their surroundings.

In reality, a traditional No 9's actions primarily revolve around anticipation. It includes awaiting the crucial opportunity, scoring the significant goal, and making the decisive move. Alessia Russo's journey follows this sequence precisely.

Content: With Euro 2022, the remarkable back-heel against Sweden, and the eye-catching transfer to Arsenal, Russo is now poised to make a dazzling impact at World Cup 2023. The lead-up has been muddled and perplexing, as her future with Manchester United remains uncertain since Arsenal intentionally made their private pursuit of Russo public in January, causing quite a commotion.

A world-record bid with obvious intention was a head-turner for a young player with designs on super stardom, and six months left on her contract.

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Alessia Russo has completed a move to Arsenal from Manchester United

Now that the saga is finally over, much to the satisfaction of Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman, Russo can now fully concentrate on making her mark on the international stage without any distractions. This decision holds significant importance for Russo's peace of mind, as she mentioned in a recent interview with The Athletic.

Wiegman's desire has been granted. The directive given to the players before the tournament was crystal clear: resolve any club-related issues before heading to the World Cup. Wiegman, being a Dutchwoman, ensures that her team operates with utmost discipline and efficiency.

Russo holds crucial importance in Wiegman's strategies, however, even a tiny distraction could provide opportunities for alternative players - goal scorers eagerly awaiting the chance to become England's standout performers. These forwards will sense a deserving claim to their opportunity. The potential risks involved in not prioritizing Russo were not justifiable.

Therefore, what distinguishes Arsenal's newly appointed No 23 from the rest of the contenders? And how can England capitalize on her elevated position and influence?

Wiegman's bold stance and Russo's current poised position present an objective perspective. The talent displayed is extraordinary, and the potential is truly terrifying. During Euro 2022, there were warning shots indicating Russo's capabilities, as she had a magical moment against Sweden when she was only 23 years old. However, her progress was hindered by Ellen White's presence at the forefront. Russo took on the role of White's understudy and was content to be her deputy. Nevertheless, it has been a year since Russo's spark was ignited.

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Alessia Russo and Mary Earps with the European Championship trophy at Wembley

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This summer will offer the opportunity to emerge into the spotlight. Euro 2022 served as the ideal catalyst, a precursor to what future generations of England fans may recognize as the development of a talented individual in her twenties, displaying remarkable poise and elegance beyond her youthful age.

Russo's impressive performance during England's victorious Euros campaign showcased her preparedness and displayed a subtle confidence. Throughout the tournament, she was initially listed as a substitute in Wiegman's team, which only added to her charm as the beloved "super sub" who captured the hearts of the nation. This led to young supporters rushing to have her name on their shirts.

Her ability to shine in crucial moments continued in the WSL last season, particularly against strong opponents. Arsenal fans will not forget Russo's intimidating gaze as she scored a remarkable stoppage-time winner for United in November. In the upcoming season, the Emirates Stadium will be her ultimate playground.

Instinct is where Russo excels. Her impulse is what creates moments supporters adore, but more than goals, it's what drives her ability to outshine England's challenging No 9s.

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Alessia Russo scores a cheeky chip to add to England's lead against South Korea in February

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Russo, in an exclusive interview with We recently, expressed her lifelong passion for being in and around the goal, actively seeking opportunities to create and score. Recognizing the dependency on teammates as a No 9, she emphasizes the significance of analyzing the game and adjusting her movements accordingly for each cross. Russo acquires knowledge by studying her video clips, identifying key moments to perfect her timing and approach when launching an attack. Demonstrating maturity beyond her years, Russo proves to possess a wise perspective.

Wiegman has plenty of options when it comes to forward positions, but she has made it clear that she will not be fielding two strikers. She has a wide array of No 9 profiles to choose from. Aside from Russo, there is also Rachel Daly, the winner of the WSL Golden Boot, who is more than deserving of England's No 9 shirt for this tournament. Additionally, there is Beth England, another forward who finished last season with an impressive record of scoring goals.

Daly presents a strong challenge, being skilled, having excellent timing, an impressive ability in the air, and boasting the highest strike rate among forwards in the WSL. It is certainly enticing.

So why choose Russo? When observed closely, her appeal becomes evident. Wiegman particularly admires Russo's pressing, physicality, and tireless efforts when not in possession. To provide perspective, Russo ranked second in the entire WSL for recovering balls in the final third last season - there is a certain purity to her dedication.

Drifting undetected, she seamlessly infiltrates pockets, navigating through with ease. Imperceptible and elusive, her movements lack any traceability. She exudes an aura of immense potency and vivacity, yet every action is meticulously calculated as she assesses the surroundings, patiently anticipating the trigger that will set her plan into motion. Her mind orchestrates the impending explosion, relentlessly determined to exceed every limit set before her.

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England's Alessia Russo in a pre-World Cup friendly against Portugal

Domestically, goals don't align with Daly who, despite having a "pretty good year", hasn't garnered the same level of favoritism while playing for England. Russo, on the other hand, is fully integrated, possesses superior technical skills, and is the ideal recipient for Chloe Kelly's wide crosses, Ella Toone's precise passes through the center, or even Millie Bright's long-range aerial balls.

Wiegman, an exceptional centre-forward with remarkable vision, seems to have embraced the Russo-mania fervor just as passionately as the devoted supporters of the Lionesses did last year. Furthermore, this Dutch lady is a practical and decisive thinker, displaying no inclination towards indecisiveness. Although the situation may seem ambiguous to outsiders, it will undoubtedly become perfectly evident to England's intrepid leader.

Furthermore, it is undeniable that there is a strong admiration for Russo's remarkable ascent. Leading up to Russo's official announcement as an esteemed member of Arsenal, winger Beth Mead enthusiastically expressed her desire to not only play alongside Alessia at England but also at Arsenal.

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According to manager Jonas Eidevall, Alessia is among the top forwards globally. The opportunity this summer will allow Russo to showcase her abilities and validate this claim. It is an important task for a player with great potential and an even greater drive.