Alessia Russo hails 'role model' Harry Kane's Ballon d'Or win for fresh Arsenal motivation

Russo drew inspiration from Kane's Ballon d'Or win as Arsenal prepare for Women's Champions League action after ending their WSL winless run.

Alessia Russo said Harry Kane's Ballon d'Or triumph at the London Palladium on Monday has motivated her ahead of Arsenal's Women's Champions League fixture against Benfica on Wednesday. Russo, who described Kane as a role model, said seeing him win "gave me goosebumps" and provided fresh impetus as the Gunners look to build on their recent form.

Arsenal ended a five-match WSL winless streak on Saturday with a 2-1 north London derby victory over Tottenham, with Russo converting a penalty. The win came under new manager Renee Slegers, who praised the team's intensity and fight. Arsenal sit 10 points behind WSL leaders Chelsea and Manchester City but have gathered four points from their opening two European fixtures. Slegers said the team must back up the Spurs performance with consistent displays going forward.