Nikefootball New Zealand

Next Wave: The Born Leader

Bentley82 — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:25:35 GMT

Mamadou Sakho is immense.

The imposing figure of Mamadou Sakho only tells part of his story. He is a tower of power at the heart of defence, who bosses the aerial battle and takes no prisoners with his no-nonsense approach to defending.

But there’s more to Sakho’s game than physical dominance. He’s tactically brilliant, mature beyond his years and he takes up defensive positions that give him total control over opposing forwards.

On the pitch he leads by example and others follow his brave, determined approach. Off the pitch, his unique style has won him even more followers.

Sakho is an authority in everything he does.

Meet Your Match. Sakho and the CTR360

Next Wave: The Believer

Bentley82 — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 03:19:26 GMT

Javier Pastore is different.

The playmaker from Argentina resisted pressure to change his physique and style of play. In a footballing world where power is king, Pastore defies the rules. He's proof that a creative, elegant player can make it to the very top.

He stuck to his principles and believed in his own way of playing the game.

He's skinny, nimble and full of flicks and tricks that other players wouldn't dare to try. The ball does whatever Pastore tells it to.

He links attack and defence with imagination and flair. Every attacking move flows through him and every touch of the ball is beautiful to watch.

Meet Your Match: Pastore and the Tiempo

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Next Wave: The Visionary

Bentley82 — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:11:49 GMT

Mario Götze is a technical genius.

The German attacking midfielder with an eye for goal has so many strengths it’s almost unfair on his opponents.

A classy first-touch, a scorching turn of pace and the ability to deliver probing short passes or sweeping long-balls make Götze a constant menace.

He’s the perfect attacking package. With intricate passing, quick-feet and a rocket-like acceleration that allows him to find space where there isn’t any, he’s the master of creating and taking chances.

Götze’s rise has been rapid but there’s a lot more to come.

Meet Your Match: Götze and the Mercurial

Next Wave: The Menace

Bentley82 — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:18:11 GMT

For defenders, Bojan Krkic is a troublemaker.

Defences can’t relax even for a second when Bojan is around. He causes havoc amongst opponents and makes them pay for the slightest lapse in concentration.

A graduate of the world-famous La Masia, Bojan has the pedigree and the attitude to go right to the top.

His pace, agility and vision stormed the Barcelona youth ranks and his skill, trickery and knack of scoring important goals helped the club win everything the domestic game has to offer.

A bold, fearless competitor on the field, he’s not afraid to make career-changing decisions. Driven by a desire to prove himself, he left Spain to terrorise Italian defences. His quest to achieve greatness will never stop.

Meet Your Match: Bojan and T90

Next Wave: The Driving Force

Bentley82 — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:01:39 GMT

André Ayew is relentless.

The wing sensation is a full-back’s worst nightmare. With the ball at his feet he’s lively, direct and unpredictable and without it his work-rate and positional sense stifle his opponent’s every attacking intent.

The Ghanaian moves at speed with the ball under his spell. He can take a defender on the outside or cut in-field and attack the goal. He’s deadliest from out wide but he can play anywhere across the front line.

Ayew is technically gifted and blessed with speed, agility and ruthless finishing skills. He may be young but he already boasts international tournament experience.

He’s a formidable all-round forward. And he’s getting better.

Meet Your Match: André Ayew and the Tiempo

Next Wave: The Control Freak

Bentley82 — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 04:31:16 GMT

The Nike CTR360 Maestri II Elite is designed with one objective: control.

On the pitch, you want to dominate. Every touch should be perfect. Every pass: total precision.

New pass and receive pads give added traction on the ball for clinical distribution.

Dampening pods help cushion the pass for a flawless first touch to ensure you stay a step ahead of the game.

The new CTR makes its debut this weekend.

It's time to rule.

Next Wave: The Bullseye

Bentley82 — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 04:33:31 GMT

Iker Muniain takes no prisoners.

The young Spaniard was born in the world-famous bull-fighting town of Pamplona and he’s inherited a bullish tenacity which is at the heart of his game.

Imaginative, attack-minded and fiercely driven, Muniain has all the attributes to succeed at the top level and he has the technical gifts to back up his tireless work rate.

Small in stature, big in presence, Muniain terrorises defenders from across the front line. His keen instincts, powerful right foot and targeted precision constantly turn half-chances into goals.

Still only 19 years-old, future glory is in Muniain’s sights and he’s ready to strike.

Meet Your Match: Muniain and the T90

Next Wave: The Wild One

Bentley82 — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:45:35 GMT

Mario Balotelli is special.

Anything is possible when it comes to the tenacious Italian striker. On and off the pitch, Balotelli demands the spotlight. He burst onto the scene in Italy with blistering displays and spectacular goals and since arriving in England he’s got even more destructive.

With an arsenal of unpredictable tricks and turns, Balotelli seizes control of the game when it counts. His formidable combination of towering height, intimidating strength and quick feet give him the edge over defenders.

He’s an unpredictable genius and one of the brightest prospects in the game.

Meet Your Match. Balotelli and the CTR360

Next Wave: The Whizz Kid

Bentley82 — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:43:44 GMT

Juan Mata is a phenomenon.

Mata’s footballing brain is quick. He makes split-second decisions on when to dribble, pass or shoot and he makes the right call time after time.

He backs up big on-pitch decisions with the ability to execute them at high speed.

He disorientates defenders with rapid swerving runs with the ball under complete control. He cuts in and out, twisting and turning away from trouble and his final ball is always bang on.

Mata has the pace and movement to trouble any defence in the world and he’s smart enough to use it when it can hurt opponents most. He can unlock defences with intelligent passes, darting dribbles or searing strikes from distance. However he chooses to attack, he’ll be quick and ruthless and he’ll get results.

Meet Your Match: Mata and the Mercurial

Next Wave: The Chosen One

Bentley82 — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 04:18:54 GMT

Thiago Alcántara do Nascimiento knows pressure.

Big things have been expected from the dynamic midfielder since he was a young boy. Both of his parents were professional athletes and, at Barcelona, he’s seen a string of stars dazzle the Nou Camp. Now it’s his turn.

Pressure has been his making. Even in the most hostile football environments, nothing puts him off his game. His pinpoint passes never miss their target and his thunderous drives from distance rain down on goal.

Thiago is unpredictable on and off the pitch. He plays the game his own way and he makes his own decisions. He chose Spain over his father’s native Brazil and he’s already started to shine for the current world champions.

His destiny is to become a footballing great. His goal is to fulfil that destiny. He’s right on target.

Meet your match: Thiago and the T90

Next Wave

Bentley82 — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 21:48:10 GMT

Next Wave players are an exciting new breed of young footballer with a brilliance that can't be learnt, instincts that can’t be taught, and innovative methods of overcoming opposition.

It takes boldness and daring to do things differently and Next Wave players are driven by a confidence and conviction to fearlessly attempt the unexpected.

A select group of young players that thrive in hostility, shine under pressure and act on split-second impulse, their potential has evolved into game-changing ability.

From the confident young leaders setting the example, the raw speed demons leaving experienced defenders for dead, and the fresh-faced goal assassins living to hit the back of the net, Next Wave athletes have exploded onto the scene with dazzling debuts and standout performances.

For these future stars, excelling for their clubs and beginning to make an impact for their country, 2012 is their stage. They are Next Wave.

The Chance: Rogic Goes Pro

Bentley82 — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 21:44:33 GMT

After winning The Chance, Tom Rogic has been a standout performer for The Nike Academy. His talent and commitment was on show every game and its earned him a pro contract with Australian A-League leaders, Central Coast Mariners.

Congratulations Tom.

T90 Laser IV: Deadly Strike

Bentley82 — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:33:25 GMT

Perfection requires commitment. Demands focus. Commands respect.

Created for total accuracy, the new T90 Laser IV is designed to finish. Unique shot-shield technology improves power without compromising accuracy and reduced fin design creates the added friction to help you hit your target.

And with additional flex for natural ball-feel and memory foam for added comfort and shape correction, whether it's off the laces or off the instep, the T90 Laser IV is ready to strike.

Tiempo Legend IV: Masterful Class

Bentley82 — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:32:07 GMT

Your first touch is the split second between possession and playing catch up. The moment the move breaks down or you break the opposition.

With a combination of premium leather and super-strong construction, the Nike Tiempo Legend IV Elite is designed to provide the ultimate first touch.

The new red and white colourway stays true to the boots classic tradition and the lightweight outsole creates the perfect blend of comfort and superior ball-feel.

Make your first touch the deadliest

Mercurial Superfly III - Explosive Speed

Bentley82 — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:30:36 GMT

On the pitch, vision is vital. It’s the split-second between the amazing and the almost.

The Mercurial Superfly III's bright provides enhanced visibility so that your teammates see you before they see anything else.

Lightweight and strong, the boot's microfibre upper adjusts to to the shape of the foot for improved comfort and the adaptive stud technology allows for maximum speed and traction.

The last thing your opponent will see is the flicker-effect heels breaking clear.