The secrets of Neymar's (problematic) football boots
The Brazilian has been having problems with the Nike Mercurial Vapor 11 Motion Blur Pack
He had to change them against Sevilla and was then booked for messing with them on Saturday
It never rains but it pours. Neymar seems to have been unable to adapt to his new boots; something which has been evident during the last four games and has taken its toll on Barcelona.
The Brazilian had to change his boots in three conseuctive games before the trip to Malaga. Then at La Rosaleda he had a problem with his laces. It was a situation which led to a yellow card -- he would end up being sent off -- for tying his laces and obstructing the taking of free-kick.
MODEL
Neymar's boots in the majority of games are the Nike Mercurial Vapor 11 Motion Blur Pack, a model which has been using in 2017 in the eye-catching pink and white colours.
As the American company explain, the main characteristic of these boots is that they are extremely light. That goes perfectly with the characteristics of the forward, a player of little wait and tremendous skill.
In fact, the characteristics of these boots are designed to get the best out of Neymar's type of play. Nike define them as the "quickest and lightest" boots in their collection.
The structure and material favours the speed of the Brazil international and the traction pattern favours the stability, support and comfort of the foot thanks to a 3D nylon plate contour.
Neymar also has other boots in the Mercurial Vapor range (with other colors), but in recent games we have seen this latest model that, despite adapting to his characteristics (a priori), are apparently causing him some problems.
After changing them inside the first 10 minutes of games against the likes of Granada and Sevilla, Luis Enrique was asked if he was worried about being without Neymar while he had to change his boots.
The Barça boss replied: "I think he's been bothered by something in the boots he's been wearing and he's had to change them. There is a risk (when he's off the pitch).
"But I would prefer him to be off the pitch for one minute than on it for 90 feeling uncomfortable -- he doesn't change them just to change them. But it's true we are one minute with one less player."
Neymar didn't change them against Malaga, but messing around with them ultimately led to his dismissal.
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