Tottenham vs Atlético Madrid: A Tough Test of Europa League Pedigree | Derby Dress Rehearsal

G'day footy fans, missing the regular season action? Don't worry, this isn't just any pre-season friendly. Tottenham against Atlético Madrid? Mark it in your calendar. This one game pits two completely different styles against each other – Ange Postecoglou's youthful revolution up in North London versus Diego Simeone's granite-like defence he's been building for over a decade. There's plenty to get your head around here.

A Derby Dress Rehearsal? There Are No Friendlies for Simeone's Atlético

You often hear people say watching Atlético Madrid is like watching a boxing match. After all these years under Simeone, whether they're challenging for La Liga or in Europe, that high-octane, full-throttle style from the first minute to the last is just part of their DNA. Even if this is just a workout, do you really think veterans like Griezmann or Koke will take it easy? No chance. Griezmann, especially, has been in decent nick since returning to the club, and his movement and link-up play up front will be the first real test of the young Spurs defenders' composure. For Atlético, every game is a final – that mentality is exactly why they've been such a force in the modern era.

Postecoglou's Spurs: More Than Just Attack

Spurs fans, on the other hand, have been waiting ages to see their team play with some proper, organised pressing again. The new gaffer's philosophy is simple: he wants his team to have the ball and dictate play, not just sit back and soak up pressure like the old days. Playing Son Heung-min through the middle or on the left seems to be working a treat so far, with his link-up play with Kulusevski and James Maddison looking more promising by the game. The worry, as always, is that backline. Van de Ven has the pace, but against a forward of Griezmann's class, one positional mistake and you're in the penalty area. So, in many ways, this game might teach Spurs' defence more than it does their attack.

Three Key Battles: The Ultimate Clash of Speed and Grit

Anyway, enough chat. Here are the three key things to keep an eye on that make this one worth staying up for:

• Son Heung-min vs. Stefan Savić: A classic case of pace against power. Will Son use his movement to drag Savić out of position, or will the Montenegrin use his experience and strength to contain him? This duel could decide the game.
• The Midfield Scrap: Atlético's midfield is a notorious meat grinder. Players like De Paul and Witsel love the physical stuff. Spurs' main man Maddison needs to find a way to escape their clutches to supply the front men.
• Set Pieces: Simeone's sides are masters at finding a weakness. Those late runs from deep at corners and free-kicks are often a ticking time bomb for Spurs' set-piece defence.

Bottom line: yeah, it's a pre-season friendly. But for anyone keen to see what their team's about, this Tottenham vs Atlético Madrid clash is the perfect litmus test. Want to see if Postecoglou's system has any kinks? Or if Simeone's squad still has that same old fire? This game will sort it out. Grab some beers and settle in for a good one.