Yesterday Nike launched the new CTR360 Maestri II Elite football boot at Nike Town on London’s Oxford Street with Tottenham Hotspur star Rafael van der Vaart and Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere in attendance.
The theme of the new boot is primarily focusing on the role of the ‘playmaker’ with first touch and ball control being pivotal attributes in the art of the aforementioned role.
Competition winners, along with students and members of the media, including us at Soccerlens, were kindly invited by Nike Football to test out the new boots in a number of training routines at Arsenal’s London Colney training base. All participants were equipped with a pair of the boots, as well as Nike elite training apparel and Nike Pro Combat baselayers to enhance their football experience. The guys were then given a brief introduction on the boot itself, which has a carbon re-inforced chassis that provides strength and bladed studs for optimal traction and stability.
The training sessions worked in conjunction with the theme of the new footwear by focusing on first touch and ball control. All participants worked up a sweat as they attained knowledge from the Nike Academy coaches on hand, who emphasised the importance of such attributes for top flight footballers all around the world. ‘Pass and move’ was a pivotal aspect of the sessions with all those taking part making the most of the wonderful facilities on offer at Arsenal Football Club.
Many of the world’s greatest playmakers are already using the new Nike CTR360 Maestri II Elite, with the likes of Andres Iniesta gracing the turf of the Camp Nou with his neat intricate passing and Francesc Fabregas lighting up the Premier League with his slick one-two’s.
Rafael van der Vaart and Jack Wilshire, two of the Premier League’s most creative talents, also wear the boot and they too realise the importance of their position. Both stars delivered a Q&A session at the launch
Dutch international and former Real Madrid star Van der Vaart believes that first touch and awareness are fundamental aspects in the success of his position.
“When first touch is good, it always give you time to see the next situation to take part with your colleagues and that is why it is so important. Especially when you are not the quickest player”he told those in attendance.
“I always have to be aware of the spaces to play, and it’s really important that everyone is moving when you don’t have the ball. For example, when I have the ball, the other midfielders and strikers have to move. The other day I played with Jermaine Defoe who is one of the best strikers in terms of movement and finding space, and it’s great to play with him.”
The day was a tremendous success and wonderfully organised by Nike. Once again they are advancing technology in football apparel to the maximum and their latest creation is sure to be a huge success. The new Nike CTR360 Maestri II Elite is on sale now.
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