These derby games are known for their speed, intensity and aggression, and it is expected that one of the players who may struggle with the intensity of the game is James Maddison. According to Steve Nicol of ESPN, this is likely to be the case, as he believes that Maddison may not have experienced this level of intensity before.

Too fast

Nicol gave his opinion on the game and how the £45m-rated player will handle it. “I think it will be 100% more intense,” he said. “Derby games are like nothing else in football, you have to think faster, you have to do everything differently. For example, James Maddison picks the ball up, and as he’s thinking what to do, there’s someone behind him. He’s thinking ‘hold on a second’, he’s never done that before.”

Maddison has never played in a rivalry quite like this since he was at Leicester, so he may not be used to the level of intensity. Of course, he could do well, but it will be the biggest challenge he has faced at Spurs so far.