Dark nights under the lights. As Nike's hi-vis Merlin ball marks the unofficial start of the winter season we're taking a look back at which players stood out with their boot choices this week. It's your usual mixed bag of custom colourways, limited editions and throwback specials. Let's go...
Edwin Cardona (Boca Juniors) Nike Mercurial Vapor 360
Boca Juniors stumbled to a defeat against Gimnasia on the weekend, but a highlight was undoubtedly their attacking midfielder, Edwin Cardona, sporting the Nigeria edition Nike Mercurial Vapour 360. Much like the World Cup kit, it's a standout design.
Asmir Begovic (Bournemouth) Umbro Medusa II Pro
Asmir Begovic had a good day at the office on Saturday as Bournemouth travelled to Craven Cottage. The big man was wearing the latest Umbro Medusa II Pro colourway to shut-out Fulham as his side continued their early season good form with a 3-0 victory.
Michail Antonio (West Ham) Umbro Velocita IV
Michail Antonio is struggling to nail down a starting berth at West Ham under Manuel Pellegrini, and he yet again had to settle for a cameo from the bench, but it was a chance for him to debut the latest Umbro Velocity IV colourway.
Aden Flint (Middlesbrough) adidas Predator Accelerator
If you're a regular reader of this feature, then you'll know we're big fans of the re-released adidas Predator Accelerator – but who isn't? Clearly Aden Flint with us, as the Middlesbrough defender was seen wearing them this weekend as Boro and Derby shared the points. He's even added a customised SG soleplate.
Alexandre Lacazette (Arsenal) Nike Tiempo Legend VII 10R Elite
Alexandre Lacazette sprung a surprise in training last week by slipping into the limited edition Nike Tiempo Legend VII 10R Elite. Just 1000 pairs of the boots were released with the Arsenal man becoming the only player so far to wear a pair in action. Well, in training at least. He was back in Hypervenom for the 2-2 draw with Palace on Sunday.
Jack Hunt (Bristol City) Nike Hypervenom
Bristol City's Jack Hunt was winding the clock back to 2015 as he appeared on pitch in the original Nike Hypervenom. Released as part of the Shine Through Collection, the debut Hypervenom still looked great, but it didn't stop his side slipping to a 1-0 defeat at home to Stoke City.
Sadio Mane (Liverpool) New Balance Furon 4.0
You'd imagine Sadio Mane would be pretty happy with his latest New Balance Furon 4.0 colourway after he bagged a brace as Liverpool steamrollered Cardiff at Anfield. The new "Red/Black" colourway looked smart on pitch with the New Balance Liverpool home kit.
Rafinha (Barcelona) Mizuno Morelia Neo II
Following the expiration of his contract with adidas, Barcelona's Rafinha has been wearing a blacked-out Mizuno Morelia Neo II throughout 2018. If he is, as we suspect, a free agent, then what better place to advertise yourself than in a romping 5-1 win in El Clasico?
Grady Diangana (West Ham) Nike Mercurial Vapor XI
West Ham manager Pellegrini continued to show faith in Grady Diangana this weekend and the youngster was once again sporting his very own custom Nike Mercurial Vapor XI colourway. Simple but smart with a red and white combination.
David Limbersky (Viktoria Plzen) PUMA evoPOWER 1.3 Tricks
In another throwback appearance, Viktoria Plzen defender David Limbersky gave some Champions League spotlight to the 2016 PUMA evoPOWER 1.3 Tricks boot as his side lost to Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. The split design was worn by all contracted PUMA athletes at EURO 2016 in France.
