Alessia Russo: What is Arsenal’s forward’s best position?

Russo has tallied two assists in her eight Champions League games and has a goal contribution per game figure of 1.13, behind only Bayern Munich’s Klara Buhl (1.5) and Barcelona’s two-time 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 play against champions from other countries and they play with less fear,” she said. “Teams are giving it a really good shot.”

Maybe that’s why she was able to clean up in Europe – and why she spent 97% of her minutes in that central role.

For England, boss Sarina Wiegman is clear about how to deploy Russo.

“She can play both, and it’s nice to have options, but for us in the way we’re set up, her best position is as a number nine,” Wiegman said ahead of the 2-0 win over Iceland this month.

For England at the Euros last summer, Russo’s role was even more centralized. She spent 14% of her time in the opposition box, sniffing out chances and occupying centers.

Two goals and three assists came in that tournament, behind only Putellas for total goal contributions.

“As a nine, you naturally play higher up, in and around the box, reacting to instincts and small margins around the area,” Russo said.

“You’re also the trigger for the press and the out-of-possession game plan starts with you.”