Renee Slegers faces a pleasant dilemma regarding Alessia Russo’s deployment, as the attacker’s versatility adds quality regardless of position. However, columnist Laura Hunter questions whether Russo functions better as a central No. 9 exploiting space or operating deeper in the No. 10 pocket to create overloads. The dual role has, at times, muddied Arsenal's attacking blueprint this season.

Recently, Arsenal’s attacking fluency has peaked alongside Russo’s strongest performances since her 2023 arrival; she netted five goals in the last week alone. Across March, Russo was responsible for scoring or assisting 40 per cent of the team’s goals. Her ability to coordinate the press proves useful in attritional matches, offering tactical flexibility.

When playing wide as a No. 10, Russo tends to drift left, setting up teammates like Chloe Kelly, meaning her own penalty box entries are often second-phase arrivals. Conversely, as a pure striker, as seen in the hat-trick against Spurs, she acts as the focal point, receiving passes centrally with direct goal intent. Russo’s seven converted big chances outpaces strike partner Stina Blackstenius's three.

While Slegers admires Russo's football intelligence, the evidence suggests the team operates most ruthlessly when she anchors the attack. The recent success indicates that, despite her adaptability, Arsenal benefits most when Russo is positioned as the undisputed centrepiece of their forward line.