Preseason continues as we edge closer to the start of the domestic season, and there’s plenty of new releases, throwback classics, custom creations and special editions on display for this week’s Boot Spotting. Let’s see who made the cut this week…
Virgil Van Dijk (Liverpool) Nike Tiempo Legend VIII
Most Nike pros that opt for the Tiempo will probably be lacing up in the "Under the Radar" release as the season starts, but apparently Virgil Van Dijk didn't get that memo as he wore the "New Lights" release in Liverpool's 3-0 preseason loss to Napoli. Virg can pretty much do what he likes though, right?
Raul Jimenez (Wolverhampton Wanderers) Nike Phantom VNM
Raul Jimenez made his return to the Wolves side this week following his exploits in the Gold Cup, coming on for Ruben Neves in the Europa League win over Crusaders. And it wasn't hard to miss him, the Mexican wearing the Nike Phantom VNM "New Lights".
Fabio Silva (FC Porto) Nike Mercurial Vapor XIII
Days after his 17th birthday, up and coming Portuguese star Fabio Silva found himself playing for the Porto first team in a preseason friendly against Monaco. For the match, the youngster interestingly opted to remove the laces on his Mercurial Vapor "New Lights".
Wu Lei (RCD Espanyol) Nike Mercurial Vapor XIII CR Shuai
If anyone other than Ronaldo himself has a right to wear his latest signature boot, the Mercurial Vapor XIII CR "Shuai", it's Wu Lei. As one of the few Chinese players to be currently playing in the top tier of European football, he opted for the boot that celebrates CR7's "special relationship" with China as Espanyol beat Stjarnan 4-0 in the Europa League.
Rajiv van La Parra (Huddersfield Town) Nike Mercurial Vapor XIII
Huddersfield's Rajiv van La Parra showed off one of the best examples of the customising capabilities of the new Mercurial on Nike By You, taking a white canvas and accenting it with flecks of multicolour throughout the upper along with turquoise Swoosh and laces. The Terriers beat the Rovers 2-0.
Hector Herrera (Atletico Madrid) Nike Phantom VSN
A fiery encounter between Atletico Madrid Chivas de Guadalajara that was supposed to be a friendly actually saw a player from each side getting sent off. Aside from the serious lack of friendliness on display, we also noticed Hector Herrera's use of Nike By You, as the Mexican wore a bespoke pair of Nike Phantom VSN.
Adam Clayton (Middlesbrough) adidas Predator Accelerator 25Y ZZ
Adam Clayton has long been a Predator admirer, donning several versions throughout the years, and for preseason this year he's opted for the special edition adidas Predator Accelerator that dropped in for the 25 year celebration of the famous silo. Boro drew 1-1 with St-Etienne as they gear up for the big kick off.
Fabián Castillo (Querétaro) Nike Mercurial Superfly II
Fabián Castillo has been digging about in his wardrobe to pull out a pair of Nike Mercurial Superfly II "Windchill" from 2011, which he wore as Querétaro drew 1-1 with Tijuana in the Torneo Apertura 2019 Liga MX.
Camelo Sanvezzo (Tijuana) Nike Mercurial Vapor XIII
Another example of what's possible with Nike By You, this time coming from Camelo Sanvezzo in Tijuana's Leagues Cup quarter final against LA Galaxy, a clash they lost on aggregate. Sanvezzo matches the black and red of his kit nicely, something he's done with his PUMA ONEs in the past.
Sheyi Ojo (Rangers) Nike Mercurial Superfly VI
Pulling on a special edition isn't enough for Sheyi Ojo, the Rangers man having his Mercurial Superfly VI 'LVL UP' further customised to add a bespoke level of personalisation during preseason. Must be having the right effect as he found the net in Rangers' second qualifying round first leg against Progres Niederkorn this week.
Cédric Kipré (Wigan Athletic) Nike Mercurial GS 360
Always time for a bit of Greenspeed flavour, and this week it comes courtesy of Wigan centre back Cédric Kipré, who wore last year's release in the OG colourway as his side held Everton to a respectable 0-0.
