Sky Sports columnist Laura Hunter dives into the tactical conundrum surrounding Alessia Russo's role at Arsenal in the latest Women's Super League matches, highlighting her impact on the team's attacking dynamics.

Renee Slegers, Arsenal's coach, faces a dilemma: Russo's exceptional versatility is both a blessing and a challenge. Is she more effective as a No 10, orchestrating play and creating overloads, or as a traditional No 9, exploiting space with intelligent movement?

A closer look at Russo's heat map reveals that her dual role has sometimes pulled her away from high-danger areas. Yet, few players can excel in both positions, making Russo a rare asset. Despite this flexibility, finding the right tactical blueprint has taken time, with Arsenal only recently showcasing fluidity in their attacking play.

Russo's form is pivotal; since joining Arsenal in 2023, she has thrived, contributing significantly to the team's success. In just the past week, Arsenal netted 13 goals, with Russo scoring five of them. Notably, in March, 40% of Arsenal's goals stemmed from her contributions.

When comparing her performance against West Ham and Spurs, insights emerge:

• As a No 10 against West Ham, Russo facilitated movement and created space, leading to a 5-0 victory where Chloe Kelly scored three goals.
• In contrast, her hat-trick against Spurs highlighted her effectiveness as a central figure, scoring twice within seven minutes, a feat not achieved since Vivianne Miedema in 2020.

The statistics further illustrate Russo's goal-scoring prowess. While both she and Stina Blackstenius generated 13 big chances, Russo converted seven compared to Blackstenius' three.

Despite her adaptability, Slegers must carefully consider how to maximize Russo's talents in upcoming Champions League and FA Cup matches against Chelsea and Brighton. Russo's role could be crucial in defining Arsenal's season, making Slegers' tactical choices even more significant.