XI SERIES: UMBRO

Umbro have been on the football scene for years. In fact they are the oldest football brand around. With the release of their newest incarnation of the Speciali as well as the launch of the England kits, Umbro’s star is beginning to shine again. The recent release of their new speed boot, the Stealth Pro is seeing Umbro propelled back to the top of the football boot and apparel pile. The Manchester-based firm are reinventing themselves. Maybe a little ‘Thank you Nike’ is appropriate at this moment. Don’t be surprised if this Umbro XI is overflowing with superstars in year or two.

So who gets into The Right Winger’s dream Umbro XI?

Strikers:
Michael Owen is out for the season but in the short moments we have seen him don a United shirt, he has been impressive. He will probably never be as good as he used to be but Owen still has a lot to offer both United and football as a whole. We hope for a relatively injury free 2010/11 season for Owen
Darren Bent has seen his stakes rise since his move to Sunderland. Whether or not he has done enough to get himself a plane ticket to South Africa remains to be seen however. We think he could form a very good partnership with Michael Owen.

Midfielders:
Kieran Richardson has shown promise since a young age. Richardson has spoken about the fact that his preferred position is ‘in the hole’ just behind a striker. The versatile left-footer has seen himself at left wing and left back but seldom ‘in the hole’. We are counting on his accurate left foot to provide good aerial balls for our strikers to latch onto.
Deco arrived from Barcelona with much promise. In a midfield with so many options and stars Deco was never going to have an easy job. Despite that he is one of the consistently picked players in Chelsea’s diamond.
Andy Reid helps add to the Sunderland flavour of this XI. Combative and strong, Andy has been a stalwart for both Sunderland and Ireland.
Geovanni has to play slightly out of position for us. The Hull City midfielder fills in at right wing for us. Usually an attacking midfielder, Geo, almost single handedly kept Hull in the Premier League last season.

Defenders:
Steven Warnock thought he may be on his way to South Africa when Ashley Cole pulled up injured and Wayne Bridge retired from international football. It seems that he has been beaten by Leighton Baines however. A solid defender with good pace and great left foot, Steven’s chance will come again.
John Terry is probably the biggest ‘star’ in our Umbro X1. The ex-England captain has a lot to prove off the field. On it however he is still one of (if not the best) defenders in Europe.
Michael Dawson is perhaps a little underrated. The Tottenham man has been solid week in, week out for the London club. At just 26 Michael still has plenty of years ahead of him and we expect him to start making some more England appearances.
Ryan Shawcross put Aaron Ramsey into hospital with a rash challenge. That is by no means his style however. Groomed at Manchester United, the Stoke City defender starts at right back for us. Another young man with a bright future.

Goal Keeper:
Joe Hart, on form, is the best English goal keeper at the moment. He is in fact currently one of the best in the Premier League. He is young, fast and strong. His ability to pull off outstanding saves makes him a brilliant shot-stopper. The England number 1 spot is his to lose.

Who do you think should be part of the Umbro XI?

See our Predator, Puma and CTR360 XI here.