Around The Grounds #3

From Zlatan back in Milan to signature series boots - It's been busy already in 2020. Here are some of the highlights so far!

• Zlatan Ibrahimović (AC Milan) – New Lights Mercurial Vapor

We had to kick it off this week with big Zlatan. Although he didn’t score on his first game back in New Lights Mercurial Vapor at the San Siro, we’re all in on his move back to AC Milan. I mean, how can it not fill you with a bit of excitement to see how he can cut it at the highest level again? It’s going to be fun there’s no doubt about that, and with Krzysztof Piątek looking likely to go on loan this month, it seems Milan are all in on Zlatan too.

• Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain) – Bondy Dreams Mercurial Superfly

We just can’t get enough of Kylian Mbappé in his signature ‘Bondy Dreams’ Mercurial Superfly – and we wish we had more stock! The first signature edition of you young French superstars’ career was an absolute 10 and sets the bar high for the swoosh. We’re backing them to follow it up with something special. You’ll just have to sit tight and wait and see.

• Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain) – Shhh pack Mercurial Vapor

While we’re on signature boots, it was nice seeing Neymar on the scoresheet in his ‘Speed Freak’ Mercurial Vapors as PSG tore up Saint-Étienne at the Parc des Princes. 2019 also saw the release of the Shhh pack Vapor so we’re expecting some big things in 2020 given how big last year was. Don’t Neymar and Mbappé look happy with themselves? And damn they look good.

• Papu Gómez (Atalanta B.C.) - Encryption Code Copa 20+

We love Papu. We love Atalanta. If you haven’t had time to watch them since their rise under Gasperini make some time. They are one of the most thrilling teams going forward right now, with Papu a joy to watch in Encryption Code Copa 20+. Parma were the latest side to be on the end of an Atalanta drubbing, with Papu on the scoresheet first in a 5-0 home win keeping them on track for another UCL campaign.

• Héctor Bellerín (Arsenal) – X 99.1

The adidas X 99.1, a nod to the adizero 99g boot from 2015, was one of our top boots in 2019, and it was also one of the best performing from a tech standpoint as well. More players should have been wearing these at launch, so we were excited to see Héctor training in them pre-Arsenal’s game in the FA Cup against Leeds United. Not a bad boot to kick off with after what seems like a big move away from Puma.

• Ángel Correa (Atlético Madrid) – Encryption Code X 19+

Scoring the winner against Barcelona is always going to be worthy of a mention. Ángel Correa’s 86^th minute goal wearing the Encryption Code X 19+ in Saudi Arabia was enough to set up an all-Madrid final in the Supercopa de España, much to the joy of Real Madrid fans around the world.

• Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus) – Dream Speed Mercurial Superfly

More records for one of the greatest of all time. Cristiano notched up his first Serie A hat-trick for Juve against Cagliari in Dream Speed Mercurial Superfly. With many tipping CR7 for the Capocannoniere trophy, it will be fun to keep an eye on how much he can close the 6-goal gap at the top behind Ciro Immobile who has scored a whopping 19 goals.

• Mauro Icardi (Paris Saint-Germain) – Phantom Fire Venom

It’s PSG heavy this week, but if we’re talking Neymar and Mbappé we can’t leave out Mauro Icardi who has been absolutely flying since his move to Paris. It was a hat-trick and an assist for Mauro in the Phantom Fire Venoms against Saint-Étienne as he continues to keep the stunning form going. Imagine facing a team with those three and Ángel Di María in the starting 11. Tough going in Ligue 1!