Boot Battle Showdown - 'Marathon Not A Sprint' - Nike vs. Adidas

League football is back, after what seemed like an eternity of a wait. The biggest league's around the world are all kicking off, the German League sprinted out last weekend, with the Premier League starting tomorrow and La Liga and Seria A beginning the week after and so on. The excitement is back and football fans around the globe are on the edge of their seats, many battles will be on show, but who will win the boot battle?.

During the off-season and pre-season #TeamCrosstrainersa were testing out an array of boots, from the Nike Hypervenom to the new Messi F50 boot. Gathering all the data needed, we have put together a boot-battle special for you to see.

  

We start off with the most talked about boots of the year, these two boots have been growing in popularity over the off-season & pre-season. We first saw the boots in proper action during the CONFED Cup in Brazil, both boots have their positives and negatives. 

Nike Hypervenom

Without a doubt the marketing of the boot was tremendous, jetting us all into Rio for the boot presentation. The distribution of the boot to the selected professional Nike players, was immaculate. Each player had been hand picked or switched from one silo to the next. Replacing the T90 boot was always in Nike's planning seeing as it was the worst performing boot in the family. Nike went all out and delivered, the playing squad they have signed to 'Team Hypervenom' is large and strong. For the professionals its a dream, the selected professionals I mean. For the consumer, its a bit of a disappointment. Why do I say this?...well, the boots come in a original orange Nike box, with a Hypervenom carry bag...that's about it. To some it may not matter at all, but I would have thought Nike would have gone for something a little more flashy, a Hypervenom packing box...something to make the price tag a little more worth it.

Performance wise the boot is of a very good standard, comfort wise too. The feeling of boot to ball feels authentic and right. Some professionals have disliked certain things about the boots, the durability and protection when it comes to boot on boot challenges. Looking away from those negatives I believe its a decent boot, perhaps its in the name...the boot was really about (HYPE) and not so much venom. I suppose time will tell how successful the boot will be when the hype cools down, in my opinion I was a little disappointed but it still earns a 7/10

Adidas Nitrocharge

The Nitrocharge was also a highly anticipated boot this summer (European Dates) the Adidas team took us to Barcelona for the revealing presentation. Adidas didn't put as much into the marketing as perhaps Nike did but it was still very potent. a Nitrocharge player is not as flash as a Hypervenom player, Adidas wanted to appeal to the hard working player's society. The Nitrocharge also came in a normal black and white Adidas box, perhaps they could have delivered a bit more as well. Now this isn't me trying to poke holes in Adidas' or Nike's plans, all I'm saying is give the customers a little more, for what they pay for. I mean the Nitrocharge doesn't even come with a carry bag, and that's the top of the range version. (Come on guys)

 Ranting aside, this is a very good football boot. The comfort, performance and touch is 100% spot on...Adidas have always been able to deliver quality engineered boots (Its a German thing). This is a boot that will last you a long time, of course if you take proper care of it. The professionals have been very complimentary of this boot as well, personally I feel its the best boot I've tested this year. A reminder that this review is coming from a avid Nike fan, so it should tell you how good this boot is. If you are a midfielder or a defender this boot is for you, protection from challenges, bad surfaces and weather you'll be fine. I believe its going to be a major hit this season, perhaps bigger than the Predator and F50...I give this boot a 9/10

CTR vs. Predator

These two boots were the 'star boys' of last season, arguably the best boots, both brands have made. Last season they both performed very well but who won?

According to stats (Last Season) in terms of goals in the top 4 European Leagues, this is how it went.

Nike CTR

• Premier League (11 Goals)
• La Liga (14 Goals)
• Seria A (8 Goals)
• Bundesliga (1 Goal)

Total = 34 Goals

Adidas Predator 

• Premier League (20 Goals)
• La Liga (18 Goals)
• Seria A (20 Goals) 
• Bundesliga (35 Goals)

Total = 93 Goals

According to the stats the Adidas Predator wins hands down, Nike may argue that this boot is more about assists than scoring goals, but Adidas can argue the same. In the end the numbers don't lie. 

Mercurial vs. F50

The age old speed battle that's divided players for over a decade. It's been another busy summer for the Adidas F50 adizero and the Nike Mercurial Vapor IX.

How did the numbers look last season?

Nike Mercurial Vapor IX

• Premier League (24 Goals)
• La Liga (21 Goals) 
• Seria A (15 Goals)
• Bundesliga (16 Goals)

Total = 76 Goals

Adidas F50

• Premier League (29 Goals)
• La Liga (47 Goals) 
• Seria A (27 Goals)
• Bundesliga (2 Goals)

Total = 105 Goals

Considering this battle includes the likes of CR7 and King Leo, it was always going to produce the most goals but yet again it looks like Adidas have run away with the victory. 

Speaking on the Adidas F50, I was fortunate enough to check out the new Messi F50. I tested the first edition of this boot last season and it was a big hit!. 

Adidas Messi F50 adizero

Old

New

Just like the first time, I was blown away by the packaging...the box is beautiful and immediately feel like you've received something important. The new colorway is quality and captures the Adidas theme of 'lighting up the pitch'. 

In terms of performance, the boot hasn't changed...still very light and responsive to all rapid movements. The connection from boot to ball still feels decent, it takes time to adjust to the boot to ball physics. I was able to try out the new Adidas snapshot app as well, I recorded a faster shot in the F50's than I did in the heavier Nitrocharge boot. Although the Nitrocharge personally feels better in terms of boot to ball connection, the lighter F50 was able to connect sweeter with the ball. I previously gave the boot a 9/10 in my last review and I would stick with that rating, I genuinely enjoy playing in these boots and if your a speedster, you will love them too. Adidas are pushing the Messi brand to the next level and rumor has it the boot that will be released for next year's World Cup is outstanding!, possibly changing the way we look and view football boots.

Tiempo vs. Adipure

  

Elegance and touch, these are the two more mature boot silos from Nike and Adidas. They might not be well known for goals but here are the stats anyway...

Nike Tiempo Legend IV

• Premier League (9 Goals)
• La Liga (4 Goals)
• Bundesliga (2 Goals)
• Seria A (5 Goals)

Total = 20 Goals 

Adidas Adipure 

• Premier League (15 Goals)
• La Liga (6 Goals)
• Bundesliga (9 Goals)
• Seria A ( 5 Goals)

Total = 35 Goals

Again Adidas wins the battle...this is turning into a white-wash...

Adidas Copa Mundial vs Nike Premier

Nike recently re-introduced the Nike Premier to battle the Copa Mundial range that Adidas have. These boots will only be popular with a few of the players and market, its very old school and more for collection than performance. Seeing as we couldn't get stats for these boots, we will call it a draw. 

There we have it, overall Adidas walked away with the victory in terms of goals scored across the major leagues. A new battle is underway, so who will win this season? like we said the race is not a sprint it's a marathon. Watch the leagues closely and maybe your favored brand or boot will win. 

I hope you enjoyed this special #XTBootBattle blog, many thanks to Soccer Bible for the stats and a few pics. If you would like to follow Boot Bible on Twitter or on the web, you can do so here.

• Web : soccerbible.com
• Twitter : @SoccerBible 

Also if you would like to follow me, you can do so by clicking the links below!

• Twitter : @Denisao4
• Facebook : facebook.com/Denisao44

Thanks for reading! 

Blessings & Love!

Footballs Middle Men

Agents: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly 

For every Jorge Mendez, Mino Raiola(Zlatan Ibrahimovic) and other 'Super Agents' out there, who've  made it their life's work to give their clients the best that's on offer for their talents, theirs many more who go about their business the wrong way. Whether that be from the clubs point of view, or the players differed from case-to-case. For many footballers, young and old, an agent is not only their voice in the Directors office, but also and more importantly a father figure/family away from family and often confidant. A person that they feel they can trust completely with their affairs. Especially for those taken from their home countries from a young age. After being approached by agent, many players put thief faith in these people, buying into a vision of a better life that will help them improve their lives as well as their families.

  

Unfortunately for many this dream turns into a nightmare. Agents pluck young talent from the local fields, making all sorts of promises. Meanwhile their only intention is to make a quick buck off the player. In some cases agents have taken players to foreign countries, hoping their client will secure a contract. When that fails to materialse, players are often left alone in that country, never to hear from the agent again. Such cases are littered throughout the world, mainly in Africa and South Africa where players are desparate to escape poverty. Having almost been a victim myself to an agents mind game, being told that opportunities will come, all the while declining concrete offers with the promise of recieving better offers (for him). I ,fortunately, figured out what was going on and decided to part ways with the agent.

     

It's easy to see why players can get caught up in this trap, as having an agent can open doors and lead to opportunities that would otherwise be impossible to come by. I have nothing against agents, Infact they play a hugely important role in a players success on and off the field, when they go about it the right way. Part of  an agents role is to help the player focus all their efforts on the field, and not get mixed up in the stresses tha negotitiating new contracts can sometimes lead to. They are the clubs go to guy when dealing with a player.      

Clubs themselves have agent that help to attract the right kind of player for the manager. Working alone or sometimes with scouts, they travel to games to identify talents that fit a certain criteria and try lure the player to the respective club. For a small fee ofcourse ;) 

Agents are quick to recieve a lot of bad press, especially in recent times with clubs complaining about their strangle hold on players, as well as demands for insane agents fees when negotiations for their clients. But in greater scheme, many footballers are glad agents exist. Ofcourse many General Managers think contrary about Footballs Middle Men and would rather deal with the players directly.  The truth is; agents are here to stay and their roles seem to be getting bigger and more influential in the football market. And doesn't seem like that will change anytime soon

Off The Field - Transfer Window Special - 'The Super Agent'

When the transfer window opens, its usually a time that most fans dread or are excited for. If one word could sum up the window, I think it would be 'SPECULATION'...pretty much that's all that happens at this time. Rather than throw more transfer rumors and so forth at you...we have decided to switch things up a bit. Instead of focusing on the players, we shall focus on the men & women that represent the modern day footballer.

An agents job is crucial but even more so during the transfer window, its usually a game of cat and mouse and the best in the business play it masterfully. When you represent the best footballers in the wold, you have to ensure you keep them happy and get them what they want. If your player is not happy, how can you turn that around?...the best agents have many tactics they use.

 

The Press Game

The modern day fan has grown to hate the agent, why?...because they have freedom to say basically what they want to the press. The press eats it up and its causes a ripple which later becomes a giant wave, the best in the business use the press to their advantage. Perhaps their client is not happy with the current contract negotiations, the agent can simply come out and tell the press their client is wanted by many clubs. 

The story is played into the public and it creates heat, the clubs have to respond or it just keeps filtering in the papers. The agent can also come out and say their player wishes to leave, he is 'unhappy' or feeling 'unloved'. To the man on the street it is infuriating but it works most of the time.

The Waiting Game

Depending on how much time is left on a footballer's contract, negotiations for a new contract will often take place.If the agent is not happy with whats being offered they may choose to wait, this puts more pressure on the club to either increase the wages or add other incentives within the contract. Sometimes the club's respond and sometimes they play hard-ball and let the player's contract run out, but it depends on the time. 

There are many tactics that an agent can play during this time of the season, manipulation, propaganda and so on. With social media available now as well, rumors can fly by a tweet a second, clubs have had to learn to deal with these often egotistical power heads.

The Candy Game

A top agent always has to have the ability to make those around them feel good, when you want to convince or persuade your player to buy into something you feel is right. As well as negotiations with clubs, you don't want to create any hostilities between parties because they pay the bills. Sugar coating stories, relationships and meetings will work in a 'super agents' favor.  

 

As an agent, you are only as strong as the clients you represent. Mr Jorge Mendes, the Portuguese man richer than his own president. He is one of the most influential agents in world football, he dominates the industry. 

Cristiano Ronaldo__€100 000 000 (Market Value) 

Fabio Coentrao___€18 000 000

Anderson___€9000 000  

Falcao___€60 000 000

Pepe___€20 000 000 

Thiago Silva___€40 000 000  

Angel Di Maria____€34 000 000

These are just a few of the big names that are all represented by one man, Jorge Mendes. Sitting pretty in his office you will see shirts signed by his many famous footballers, plus other gifts. 2/3 mobile phones will be by his side, on stand by for any calls or texts from either his players or regarding his boys. Flat screen televisions with the sport channels on, catching up on any rumors that might be floating around. Jorge is highly respected because of his business mind and caring mindset. He has been successful because of his early scouting days, watching the likes of Ronaldo in high-school. He will always try his best to make time for his clients, obviously some will be treated with more care than others i.e Ronaldo.

During this window Jorge has had to deal with the on and off speculation of F.C Barcelona wanting to sign Thiago Silva, although he may have seemed like he wanted to go...Thiago ended up signing a good looking contract extension which made him and his agent a little richer. Whether the talk of Thiago wanting to leave was true/false we will never know, but perhaps both parties got what they wanted. Another one of Jorge's clients may soon be on the way, Fabio Coentrao is reportedly on the way to North London to sign for Tottenham. Its still not confirmed whether this may be a deal to get Gareth Bale to Madrid or that the new Madrid manager doesn't fancy Coentrao...Jorge will be having anxious moments trying to work out a deal.

Another one of Jorge's clients has already left the capital of Spain, after a roller coaster season with Real Madrid, Jose Mourinho returned back to his beloved Chelsea. Having one of the most successful managers, in world football signed to you isn't a bad deal at all. Considering that Mourinho is a manager who likes to wonder around, every time an opportunity to leave to a bigger club presents itself, its sure to be a mega-contract. 

More money in the bank for Mr Mendes this window came when Falcao signed with Monaco, a deal which shocked many. Financially its a deal that makes sense to Mendes and his client, a beautiful country, tax free, big wages and massive signing fee. It ticked all the boxes and the player would be playing week in and week out, another one of Jorge's clients Ricardo Carvalho also tagged along which helped with negotiations. Reports suggest that Monaco offered Mendes a €10 million cut, if he can convince Cristiano Ronaldo to sign in the future.

            

Ronaldo is obviously the main client for Jorge, the partnership has worked extremely well and he has gone to see him rise to extreme heights in world football. At this moment it is unclear exactly where Ronaldo's future lies, the man himself has said so. Recently reports from Spain's Marca said that Ronaldo is close to agreeing a £75 million 5 year deal with Real Madrid, the contract negotiations between both parties have been on-going. So far nothing concrete has been reached, stories have been out that Ronaldo could be returning to Man United or going to France. This could all be mind-games from the Mendes camp, the contract supposedly hinges on Ronaldo earning more than his rival in Barcelona. This could see CR7 earning £1000 more than Messi, which could be in the region of £300 000+ a week. The talks are still on-going and we will only know the full details in time...

The window is still open with a few more week left, you can be sure that Mr Mendes will be working his socks off during this busy time. It will all be worth it the end and he will be smiling all the way to the bank. 

Jorge Mendes 'The Super Agent'

Hope you enjoyed part 1 of our 'Transfer Window Special', don't miss out on part 2.

As always thanks for reading, if you would like to follow me on Twitter you can do so here

• Twitter - Denisao4

 

Thanks again, peace & love!.