BOOTS:

For more recently released boots click here:

KITS:

For more recently released kits click here:

BALLS:

For more recently released balls click here:

TERRY’S ABSENCE A BLESSING IN DISGUISE?

Chelsea supporters might be cursing the rush of blood that led to John Terry receiving a red card in the Champions League semi-final, which means he misses the Champions League final on Saturday. However, Castrol EDGE Performance data suggests that the Blues should not dwell the loss of their captain.

Since Terry’s Champions League debut for Chelsea, he has played in 85 Champions League games and only missed 14. When Terry has missed out, Chelsea have won 57% of their games, compared with less than half (49%) when he has played. Furthermore, they have conceded 0.82 goals per game with Terry in the team, compared with 0.79 when he has not been.

These statistics may show that Terry is often left out for games that Chelsea expect to win but for Chelsea fans it may prove that all is not lost when Terry saw red at the Nou Camp.

Champions League 11/12 – Chelsea with and without John Terry in the Champions League

CHELSEA AND BAYERN LOOK TO WINGERS FOR INSPIRATION

During the Champions League final, Chelsea’s Florent Malouda and Juan Mata go head to head with Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery.

Castrol EDGE Performance Data shows that Franck Ribery leads the way in the Champions League with five assists and a pass completion rate of 88%. This is particularly impressive considering that he has passed far more than the wide players, with his 608 attempts some way ahead of Mata’s 353. When combined with his 76 dribbles and three goals, Ribery is clearly the man Chelsea need to stop.

Ribery is closely followed by his team mate Arjen Robben. Although the Dutchman has only made seven appearances in the 2011/12 Champions League due to injury, he has scored more frequently than the other three, with his four goals coming once every 137.2 minutes.

Nevertheless, the Bayern duo is not superior in all respects. In particular, Mata and Malouda have crossed 49 and 35 times respectively with success rates of 37% and 40%. This is superior to both Ribery and Robben, who have far lower success rates of 17% and 18%. Interestingly, Malouda has provided as many assists (2) as Robben and Mata and his pass completion rate (87%) is second only to Franck Ribery (88%).

Champions League 11/12 – Malouda v Ribery v Robben v Mata

SCHWEINSTEIGER OUT TO STOP RESURGENT LAMPARD

Bastian Schweinsteiger spoke this week about his respect for Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard. Castrol EDGE Performance data shows that he will have his hands full trying to contain the Englishman during Saturday’s Champions League Final.

Schweinsteiger praised the way that Lampard “plays with his eyes” in attack, which is backed up by Lampard’s record of 3 goals, 7 shots on target and 3 assists in the 2011/12 Champions League. In contrast, Schweinsteiger has failed to score despite taking 10 shots, with 6 on target.

However, the German’s passing statistics stack up favourably against Lampard’s. Despite playing 3 games less than Lampard, he has only one less assist (2) and has made 471 passes to Lampard’s 357. This is an indication of the way that Bayern Munich have dominated their opposition in the 2011/12 Champions League.

Unsurprisingly, Schweinsteiger has made almost as many tackles as Lampard (21 compared to 23) despite playing 179 minutes less. His tackle success rate (57% to Lampard’s 39%) reaffirms his reputation as Germany’s premier holding midfielder.

Champions League 11/12 – Bastian Schweinsteiger v Frank Lampard

NEUER V CECH: WILL THE CUP BE IN SAFE HANDS?

Castrol EDGE Performance data shows that in Cech and Neuer, both Chelsea and Bayern Munich have a world class goalkeeper, which could become crucial if the Champions League final goes to penalties.

Both have kept five clean sheets in the competition but it is Neuer who ostensibly has the more impressive record, conceding only 8 goals at a rate of one goal conceded every 128 minutes. By comparison, Cech has conceded 11 goals at a rate of one per 101 minutes.

However, Cech has come under more pressure than the German goalkeeper, having been forced to make 52 saves in total, compared to Neuer’s 32. He can also boast a spotless catch success rate of 18, with no drops.

Champions League 11/12 – Manuel Neuer v Petr Cech

GOMEZ V DROGBA: THE POACHER AND THE TALISMAN

Castrol EDGE Performance data shows us the subtle differences between Bayern Munich’s ruthless poacher Mario Gomez and Chelsea’s talismanic Didier Drogba and indicates their importance to their teams.

Drogba has played four less games and 330 less minutes than Gomez in the 2011/12 Champions League. However, Gomez’ twelve goals still give him a superior minutes per goal rate of 73.3 when compared to Drogba’s five goals at one per 110 minutes. The threat that Gomez poses is reinforced by his record of 39 shots with a shooting accuracy of 72%, which overshadows Drogba’s 20 shots with an accuracy of 40%.

However, Drogba dribbles more often (DD 27 MG 15) and with more success (DD 48% MG 33%). He has also managed two assists in the 2011/12 Champions League where Gomez has none.

Gomez has therefore become a reliable finisher for Bayern Munich but a lot will rest on whether his team can provide him with the opportunities to score. Drogba, on the other hand, will be looking to wreak havoc in the Bayern Munich half and provide the inspiration for Chelsea’s first Champion’s League title.

Champions League 11/12 – Mario Gomez v Didier Drogba

DI MATTEO: CUP CONQUEROR?

Roberto Di Matteo has overseen a revival in form that has led Chelsea to two major cup finals. Castrol EDGE Performance data shows the extent of Chelsea’s formidable cup form, which Di Mateo will be hoping can secure a first Champions League trophy for the London club.

Chelsea’s march to FA Cup glory saw them maintain a 100% win record across 4 games, conceding at a rate of 1 goal per game and scoring 14 times in total, at a rate of 3.5 goals per game.

Similarly, their Champion’s League form has seen them win all but one of their 5 games under Di Matteo, the other game being the impressive draw that they gained at the Nou Camp in the semi-finals.

Champions League 11/12 – Di Matteo with Chelsea in FA Cup & Champions League

NIKE “MY TIME IS NOW” CAMPAIGN CELEBRATES HUNGER OF A NEW GENERATION TO TAKE ITS CHANCE ON FOOTBALL’S BIGGEST STAGE

“Don’t tell me I have potential” is the rallying insight behind the new Nike Football “My Time is Now” campaign.  The campaign launches with a new film on May 18^th that features a global roster of the world’s best players, and celebrates the hunger and impatience of young players ready to tear up the rule book to make their mark in football’s elite ranks.

The film debuted on Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and  nikefootball.com for the first time today and will also be on TV on May 19^th during the European Club Final. Featuring many of the elite players who will battle it out in Poland and Ukraine, and later this summer, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Andres Iniesta, Wesley Sneijder, Franck Ribery, Mario Götze, Mesut Özil, Yann M’Vila, Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck. Special guest appearances are made by Pep Guardiola, Laurent Blanc and basketball superstar LeBron James.

As the action unfolds, viewers can experience content in a unique interactive way through hidden tunnels designed to share athlete insights about their hunger to succeed and inspire young athletes to be better footballers.  The My Time is Now film will be available at www.nikefootball.com

“Young players will stop at nothing to prove they’re good enough to play with the best in the game,” said Carlos Homedes, NIKE, Global Football Marketing Director.  “Their hunger and impatience to take a chance is playfully apparent in the “My Time is Now” campaign .  A new generation of players is taking their chance and this summer will mark an exciting time as they burst onto the scene in Poland and Ukraine.”

We first join a France v Holland match that is suddenly interrupted by wave after wave of young players, who invade the pitch, ready to show they have the skills and hunger to take on the world’s best. Defined by their impatience and distinctive black and white uniform, they reflect the players Nike is looking for through “The Chance” which is a global talent search for young players to prove themselves on an elite stage and take their game to the next level.

As the young players take their chance they are joined by football’s new generation and iconic stars as the game heats up.  Neymar dazzles with his blinding skills and faints,  Gerard Pique and Andres Iniesta, complete in corporate suits from a stuffy boardroom meeting, join the play on pitch.  Even Cristiano Ronaldo is ready to pull on the distinctive black and white uniform sported by the young players, but he’s out of luck as the last remaining jersey is a small size.  He wears it anyway, ready to join the game.

Also unveiled in the campaign is the Nike Clash Collection of boots worn by elite players for the biggest moments on pitch and clash of rivalries and games this summer. Nike’s Mercurial Vapor VIII, CTR360 Maestri II, T90 Laser IV and Tiempo Legend IV boots will feature performance innovation and color clash design of traditional white with a bold second color signifying each boots style to stand out on pitch.

Nike’s search for the best global young talent: ‘The Chance’ runs in 55 countries through May-August. The best 100 players wil take part in global finals at FC Barcelona’s famed youth academy. The best 16 players will then embark on the ultimate training tour of the most renowned academy teams in world football, including Manchester United, Juventus and a U.S. Youth National Team during a once-in-a-lifetime four week tour.  One player will earn a place at the Nike Academy, now in its second year in partnership with the Premier League, based in the United Kingdom.

The “My Time is Now” film is part of a broader Nike Football brand campaign that features extensive digital, out-of-home and print executions celebrating iconic global players and aspiring footballers hungry to break into the elite game.

We thought Adidas’ Lethal Zone teaser campaign was truly unique but now Puma have released a pair of boots that is just as unique – and a Limited Edition!

First spotted being worn and tested in training by Sergio Aguero, Puma have released a very limited number (50 each in the UK and USA) of what they have called the ‘Razzle Dazzle’ camouflage colourway – a test concept prototype for their upcoming speed boots.

The unique patterning is an innovative form of camouflage, previously used on military ships and was known as ‘Razzle Dazzle’. Its purpose was to confuse the enemy with a design which makes it difficult to know exactly the speed and direction it is moving and by car manufacturers when concealing a new model.

Masked in black and white, there is no hiding the potential of PUMA’s new Special Edition Speed Boot. Expect the final release to be a lightweight bott with a single-piece synthetic upper and an engineered outsole.

The unique look and atmosphere of Munich’s Allianz Arena has been recreated in London to celebrate the Final between Chelsea FC and FC Bayern Munich on May 19.

Fans have been given the chance to experience the magnificent stadium via a piece of unique 3D art which was installed at Westfield London, Shepherds Bush this weekend before moving to Munich for the big match later this week.  The artwork recreated the iconic stadium with its distinctive lit panels that illuminate it’s exterior, and with the trickery of 3D artwork fans had their chance to have their photograph taken inside the artwork for them to upload to Facebook, creating a fantastic supporters image courtesy of Allianz.

“No one knows the Allianz Arena better than Allianz but we knew not everyone would make it out to Munich to experience the game.  We wanted to share our world famous football stadium with all football fans in London and beyond, so this artwork is a fantastic way to be part of one of football’s biggest events,” says Dr Christian Deuringer, Head of Global Brand Management of Allianz SE. Allianz, one of the world’s leading financial services and insurance providers, has its global head office located in Munich.

#RonaldoLIVE

Last year Castrol EDGE presented Ronaldo Tested to the Limit, an award-winning documentary that showed the Portugal and Real Madrid forward showcase his strengths in a series of captivating challenges in the most scientific examination of a player ever undertaken.

Now, to celebrate the release of the documentary for free on iTunes, Castrol EDGE, Castrol’s strongest oil yet, and Ronaldo are counting down to one more epic challenge, and this time – in a ground-breaking twist – Ronaldo’s fans will get to test his skill for themselves live on Facebook.

Castrol EDGE is calling on fans everywhere to take part in the challenge – #RonaldoLIVE – by signing up on facebook.com/castrolfootball to be in with a chance of going head to head with Ronaldo on Thursday 17^th May.

#RonaldoLIVE will be the world’s first interactive football challenge streamed live through Facebook from a state-of-the-art testing facility in Madrid. In the test, inspired by Ronaldo and Castrol EDGE’s Twitter followers, Ronaldo will face a barrage of footballs fired at him from chutes suspended above and he will have to receive, control and shoot each ball into one of four goals that surround him before the next ball is released.

Of the first 100,000 fans that connect to the #RonaldoLIVE Facebook app to watch live, fans will be selected at random to take part in the action, by selecting Ronaldo’s target and choosing the goals that he must shoot into.

Will Ronaldo have the lightning quick reaction speed, shooting accuracy and strength under pressure to control and successfully strike each ball? Or will his fans’ selections prove too much of a test?

All the action will be streamed live on both Castrol EDGE and Ronaldo’s Facebook pages (facebook.com/castrolfootball & facebook.com/Cristiano) on Thursday 17^th May.

Fans can download the award-winning documentary Castrol EDGE Presents Ronaldo Tested to the Limit as a free podcast on iTunes now by visiting: http://bit.ly/testronaldo or by using the QR code.

EA SPORTS UNVEILS REVOLUTIONARY SET OF GAME-CHANGING INNOVATIONS FOR FIFA 13

Electronic Arts Inc have unveiled five game-changing innovations that will bring revolutionary changes to EA SPORTS™ FIFA 13 along with the largest and deepest feature set in the history of the franchise.

“We are perfecting the best sports game in the world with innovations that capture all the drama and unpredictability of real-world football,” said David Rutter, Executive Producer for FIFA 13. “These are game-changing innovations that will revolutionize our artificial intelligence, dribbling, ball control and collisions to create a true battle for possession across the entire pitch, and deliver freedom and creativity in attack.”

The most sophisticated artificial intelligence ever achieved for the FIFA franchise will drive FIFA 13 on HD consoles and PC. All-new Attacking Intelligence enables players to analyse space, work harder and smarter to break down defenses, and think two plays ahead. Players now possess the intelligence to create, curve, or alter runs to capitalize on openings as they occur, make runs that pull defenders out of position to open passing channels for teammates, and better position themselves for new attacking opportunities.

In FIFA 13 every touch matters with the most comprehensive and intuitive dribbling system ever developed. Inspired by the world’s best footballer, Lionel Messi, Complete Dribbling enables players to face their opponent and use precise dribble touches combined with true 360° mobility with the ball, so it’s easier to be more creative and dangerous in 1v1 opportunities. Players change direction quicker, are more explosive accelerating with the ball, and are more effective shielding defenders for longer stretches. FIFA 13 1st Touch Control transforms the way players control the ball, eliminating near-perfect touch for every player on the pitch, and creating variety and uncertainty around ball control. Factors such as defensive pressure, trajectory of the ball, and velocity of the pass now impact a player’s first touch, creating more opportunities for defenders to win back possession.

The second generation of the Player Impact Engine expands physical play from just collisions to off-the-ball battles between players. Defenders push and pull for position, and use their size and strength to win possession or force opponents into poor touches and decisions before the ball arrives. FIFA 13 Tactical Free Kicks provides the tools to create dangerous and unpredictable free kicks utilising the most skillful players on the pitch. Position up to three attacking players over the ball and utilise dummy runs and more passing options to create elaborate free kicks. Opponents can counter by adding or subtracting players to the wall, creeping the wall forward, or sending a bullet man to intercept the pass or block the shot.

FIFA 13 will also feature:

- Improved Career Mode with major changes developed in response to requests from the most passionate fans of the franchise.

- New features to enhance the massive EA SPORTS FIFA online offering, including improvements to the wildly popular Head-To-Head Seasons mode

- Multiple new features and benefits to EA SPORTS Football Club, the live service that is the heartbeat of FIFA

- Complete authenticity with more than 500 officially licensed clubs.

Additional new modes and features will be announced in the months ahead.

FIFA 13 will be available in stores throughout South Africa this spring for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system with PlayStation Move support, Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system with Kinect™, PlayStation®Vita handheld entertainment system, Wii™, PC, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Nintendo 3DS™, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, iPhone®, iPad®, iPod® touch and other mobile platforms. The game has not yet been rated. Screenshots are available at http://info.ea.com.

Join more than nine million fans in the EA SPORTS football community at http://www.facebook.com/easportsfifa or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/easportsfifa.

Adidas’ eagerness to have Beckham involved in the Team GB Olympic team has not been hard to see. Now with the release of Beckham’s first bespoke signature Predator LZ White/Olympic Pink/Black colourway, that desire is even more apparent. Adidas haven’t been scared to use pink the past and have given the official Olympic ball – The Albert – a bit of pink paint. Pink ball, meet pink boots.

The LZ weighs just 225 grams and is the most technologically advanced, unique looking and innovative Predator to ever be released thanks to the five distinctive ‘lethal zones’ which aim to deliver greater ball control, touch, accuracy and power.

The ‘First Touch’ zone acts as a cushioning platform on the synthetic upper to give immediate ball contact. The inside vamp of the boot features the ‘Drive’ zone which follows the natural shape of the instep to create a rebound effect for greater distance and power. The ‘Sweet Spot’ zone on the medial side of the boot generates greater spin and pace. While the instep of the boots feature a ‘Pass’ zone with memory foam on the medial side of the boot to ensure consistency of passing. The ‘Dribble’ zone is a continuation of the SL rubber from the forefoot, to provide optimum grip on the ball for controlled dribbling.

Beckham has traditionally worn a synthetic upper rather the leather previous Predators have provided but that isn’t an issue with the new LZ. A newly engineered Hybridtouch upper combines the benefits of leather and synthetic – comfort, stability, reduced water uptake and the highest quality feel in all weather conditions. A Sprintframe construction uses geometrical learnings and offers the perfect balance between lightweight and stability. The Sprintframe outsole provides the Predator Lethal Zones with maximum grip and optimum pressure distribution on a firm or soft ground. The Predator Lethal Zones is also the first miCoach enabled Predator boot.

Beckham gave his new colourway the perfect debut over the weekend when he scored from a trademark free-kick to earn the LA Galaxy a draw against Montreal Impact. As usual DB’s boots feature a few personalization’s with the names of his four children and number 23 stitched onto the upper as well as the Beckham icon on the sock-liner.

We start with the boots that earned Manchester City the title. Sergio Aguero started the season in a host of different boots before finally signing for Puma and has since worn V1.11 boots. Aguero was spotted midweek in a fancy looking unreleased pair of Puma boots so we look forward to what the German brand has in store for the upcoming season and Euro 2012.

Puma have had a strong season with the likes of Aguero added to their roster. Michael Carrick has worn Puma boots for a number of seasons. Carrick had delayed a switch into Puma’s  Blue/Black/White/Orange Powercat 1.12 colourway but made the switch on the final day of the season  - perhaps because they match his United away kit so well.

With Euro 2012 around the corner there is a lot of debate about which England strikers Roy Hodgson will take with him to Poland and Ukraine. Jermain Defoe is one player who has impressed despite finding opportunities for game time proving few and far between. Defoe has switched between AdiZero II and MiCoach AdiZero boots since the latter’s release.

Another player who has divided opinion is Liverpool’s Andy Carroll. Carroll has hit good form recently for Liverpool and his inclusion would be less of a surprise now than it would have been a few months ago. Umbro would love to have the striker involved as he could then wear the St George collection Speciali III boots.

One player who many feel might be worth the risk is Norwich’s Grant Holt. Holt has had a hugely impressive season for Norwich and has been instrumental in helping the Canaries stay in the Top flight this season. Holt began the season in Umbro Stealth Pro II boots but ended in Nike Tiempo Legend IV boots.

Chelsea have had a strong end to the season and with 6 place secure chose to rest some key men ahead of their Champions league Final this coming weekend and give a few younger players a chance to impress. One of them was 21 year old Sam Hutchinson who made his first season start for the Blues wearing Adidas AdiPure 11Pro boots.

The Adidas Predator LZ has dominated our boot spots recently. This week a few more players caught the eye in Adidas’ 12^th Predator. Everton’s Phil Jagielka has had rough season due to injuries. Jagielka will possibly miss out on the Euros due to this but may find himself paying for Team GB in the Olympics wearing the new Predator LZ.

Arsenal’s Laurent Koscielny had a slow start to his English Premier League career but since settling down has been part of the reason the Gunners had such a strong end to the season. Koscielny has worn Predator  X, AdiPower Predators and now Predator LZ boots in his time at the Emirates.

Wigan escaped relegation for the 2^nd season in a row thanks in part to Franco Di Santo. After failing to impress at Chelsea Di Santo moved to Wigan also wearing Predator  X, AdiPower Predators and now Predator LZ boots.

Our final boot spot of the season is one of our favourites Jon Walters. Walters has featured in our articles a few times this season and once again caught our eye after wearing the new alternate Infrared/Black/White colourway.

Manchester United Football club’s success has been founded on the traditional values of respect and hard work. Those values are what made Manchester the city it is and from the mid 18th century the cotton mills there were prolific in the industry. From those mills came the gingham fabric, an iconic check that like Manchester United is famous around the world and is now – for the first time – used on a Manchester United home shirt.

The tonal gingham in traditional and iconic red gives the home shirt a bold new look.  The black v-neck collar gives the shirt a contemporary look. The inner back neck graphic on the shirt reads, ‘Forged in Industry, Striving for Glory’; paying tribute to the cities industrial past but also the club’s hard-working ethos.

The outer neck graphic is the iconic devil symbol so synonymous around the world with Manchester United whilst a diagonal hatched graphic on the white shorts is a subtle link to the gingham used on the shirt.

The socks are black with a red detail on the top and a white devil icon. They offer a new and innovative design featuring an updated cotton footbed offering the support and comfort enjoyed by professionals to all that wear them.

Whilst the kit combines modern sport and youth style to give the club an iconic new look, Nike’s innovation gives the team our most technologically advanced kit to aid athlete comfort and performance.

The new home kit is made from Nike’s ground-breaking recycled polyester, making it Nike’s most environmentally friendly kit ever produced.  Each kit (shirt and shorts) is made using up to thirteen recycled plastic water bottles.  This innovative manufacturing process reduces energy consumption by up to 30% compared to manufacturing traditional polyester. Since 2010 Nike has used an estimated 1115 million recycled plastic bottles to create its high performance kits.

The kits are made out of 23% lighter fabric with 20% stronger knit structure than Nike’s previous kits and feature Nike Dri-FIT technology to wick moisture away from athletes to help keep them cool and dry on-pitch.

Kits have bonded re-enforced t-bar junctions that support critical seams on the shirt and shorts and inner welded seams with a flat finish construction to improve comfort and performance.  Temperature regulation is helped by ventilation zones, consisting of a series of tiny laser cut holes from the under arms to the waistband, allowing air to circulate to keep players comfortable.

Nike Pro Combat base-layers are used by athletes to compliment playing kits to further improve comfort and increase protection from injury. Whilst fans and players can enjoy the Nike’s Manchester United Sportswear collection off the pitch, inspired by the club’s heritage.