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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Russo joined Arsenal from Man Utd last summer</li><li>Gunners skipper Little praises her impact</li><li>Highlights new 'element' England star has added</li></ul>

'An incredible player' - Lionesses star Alessia Russo praised for adding 'another element' to Arsenal by Gunners skipper Kim Little

Women's Champions League

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Russo joined the Gunners on a free transfer from Manchester United in the summer, just a few months after the London club had tabled a world-record bid for her in the January window. It was clear that Arsenal rated her highly, then, and the squad Russo has joined this season has been impressed with her ability, too.

WHAT HAPPENED?

It has been a difficult campaign at times for the England star, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/lionesses-alessia-russo-arsenal-man-utd/bltaa961bcaa1c4748c" target="_blank">and she herself has even opened up on the challenge of adapting to a new team</a>, but there have been some memorable moments, too. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/alessia-russo-lauren-james-winners-losers-arsenal-condemn-chelsea-biggest-women-s-super-league-defeat-five-years/blt37db2d75d3c90783" target="_blank">A star performance against Chelsea in the Women's Super League</a> just before Christmas was a particular highlight, as well as <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/arsenal-women-player-ratings-tottenham-alessia-russo-gunners-wsl/bltc3a6cd4b9542d969" target="_blank">the decisive goal she scored in the north London derby in March</a>.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Asked what Russo has brought to the Arsenal team, captain Little said: "Less is one of the best technical players to receive the ball and her touch, I think she is one of the hardest players to get the ball off, I think you can all see that when any kind of speed or type of ball is hit up to her. She's also got one of the cleanest strikes I've seen as well, when you're watching her in training every day."I think she adds yet another element to the team and has brought that this year, which is fun for all of us. I think we have such a kind of dynamic team and versatile team, we have Stina [Blackstenius] who has such great attributes in lengthening the game for us and making the channel runs, being really explosive and powerful, and then Less complements that in a way with her technical ability and close control. I think both of them have performed and scored in really key moments this year."

WHAT LITTLE SAID

Little has often played in a more advanced midfield role this season, which means she has had to work closely with both Russo and Blackstenius, the Gunners' Swedish striker.Speaking about the relationships she is building with both on the pitch as a result, Little said: "With Less coming in, she's an incredible player and likewise with Stina. I've played a number of times with Stina as the No.9 as well and I think that's a challenge. It's part of the game to be able to build these connections with different players and bring out their strengths."Stina and Less are very different players and my role is, what can I do to bring out their strengths most and then also allow me to do what I'm capable of? I've enjoyed it. I enjoy playing football and the challenge of trying to win a game, whether that's in a 10 position or an 8 or whatever I'm asked, it's how can I do that as best as I can to get the win."

DID YOU KNOW?

Little and Russo will hope to showcase that growing connection on Sunday as Arsenal take on Chelsea in the Continental Cup final, one which is a repeat of last year's. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/lauren-james-quiet-winners-losers-arsenal-beat-chelsea-continental-cup/blt5e0cf6758b8d366b" target="_blank">The Gunners came out on top in 2023</a> and will be out to retain their title at Wolves' Molineux Stadium.

WHAT NEXT FOR RUSSO AND ARSENAL?

'An incredible player' - Lionesses star Alessia Russo praised for adding 'another element' to Arsenal by Gunners skipper Kim Little | Goal.com India

Alessia Russo has added &quot;another element&quot; to Arsenal, believes skipper Kim Little, who has been impressed with plenty in the England striker&apos;s game.

&apos;An incredible player&apos; - Lionesses star Alessia Russo praised for adding &apos;another element&apos; to Arsenal by Gunners skipper Kim Little