Jonas Eidevall admits that Arsenal must do more to bring the best out of striker Alessia Russo, who was signed from Manchester United in the summer.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Russo joined Gunners in the summerHas scored four goals since arrivingArsenal boss Eidevall says more can be done WHAT HAPPENED?
Russo has struggled somewhat for goals since her arrival in north London. Having scored 22 goals in 46 games for United, her return of two goals in the WSL and two goals in Europe is not exactly what the Gunners were hoping for and Eidevall believes her team-mates need to learn to bring her into play more regularly.
AdvertisementWHAT EIDEVALL SAID
Speaking to reporters, Eidevall said: "It is always a big step when you move to a new club and there are far more things than just on the pitch, you need to settle all the things in your life, the area, your house.
"Alessia works so hard and she is such a great individual and team player. Do we have room for improvement in how we involve her more, especially in the penalty area and how we get her more touches and shooting opportunities in there? Absolutely.
"Especially when she plays as a 9, that has to be the aim when she plays there so we can get her more goals because from a finishing perspective, she is probably the best finisher I have ever worked with. She has a lot of variety in her finishing and for us, it’s how many times she can get those opportunities rather than what she is doing with them. Those are things we are working with, with her application and her effort, it is amazing."
GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Arsenal have enjoyed a fine start to the season and have only lost one league game, although they have been knocked out of the Champions League. Russo has not won a trophy in her time in England, having previously played for North Carolina Tar Heels, and was a runner-up in the FA Cup last season with United.
GettyWHAT NEXT?
One has to think that Eidevall will be working closely with the Arsenal attacking unit in order to get Russo firing. They are next in action against West Ham on Sunday.