Barcelona 1-2 Chelsea: 5 Chelsea players who impressed the most

Although the Frank Lampard era hasn't gotten off to the best of starts, the Blues put their preparations for the forthcoming season back on track with a morale-boosting 2-1 victory over Barcelona.

The Europa League winners came up short against Kawasaki Frontale last time out, losing by a solitary goal, but they put up a spirited performance against the Catalan giants, winning 2-1 in Japan.

Ivan Rakitic's late wonder-goal proved to be a consolation as goals from Tammy Abraham and Ross Barkley either side of half-time sealed the win for the London side.

Pre-season friendlies are often used to evaluate the performances of fringe players in the squad and some of the Chelsea youngsters gave a good account of themselves against top-quality opposition.

That said, let's look at 5 players from the Blues who put in strong performances as Chelsea registered a rather surprising win over Barcelona.

Also See : Arsenal Transfer News, EPL Transfer News, La Liga Transfer News.

#1 - Mateo Kovacic

Kovacic was arguably Chelsea's best player on the pitch

The Croatian midfielder signed for a fee of £40 million this summer and enhanced his reputation with an assured performance at the center of the park.

The 25-year-old started in a double-pivot alongside Jorginho in a 4-2-3-1 and proved to be a calming influence in midfield as the Blues ran out 2-0 winners.

Kovacic's first season at the club did not set the world alight and although it's not logical to judge players based on pre-season, the Croatian did not do his reputation any harm and staked his claim for a spot in the season opener against Manchester United.

The former Real Madrid man combines doggedness with elegance in midfield and his versatility allows Lampard to use multiple formations with incredible efficiency.

The three-time European Champion was one of the best players on the pitch for the Blues and he was subbed off to a standing ovation with 70 minutes on the clock.

#2 - Jorginho

Jorginho is one player who has divided opinion in the past 12 months. After joining the Blues last summer alongside Maurizio Sarri from Napoli, the Italian maestro started games regularly at the heart of the midfield and started the season in brilliant form as Chelsea challenged for a spot at the top of the Premier League.

He was a vital cog of Sarri-ball and despite starting the season in scintillating fashion, the harsh realities of English football took its toll on the Italian.

Against a top-quality opposition like Barcelona, the midfielder did his reputation no harm as he complemented Mateo Kovacic with incredible chemistry.

The Barcelona midfield in the first half comprised of Sergio Busquets, Sergi Roberto, and Ricky Puig but the Spanish trio had no answers to the Chelsea pair as they ran the show at the center of the park.

The midfield metronome looks set to establish himself as a key player in Lampard's side and his assured display is sure to have pleased the fans.

#3 - Christian Pulisic

Pulisic put in a lively performance for the Blues

Christian Pulisic's much-anticipated move to Chelsea has come to fruition and the American showed a further glimpse of his immense potential today. Although he didn't get on the score-sheet, the 19-year-old's performance was encouraging to say the least.

Pulisic started the game with Tammy Abraham up front and Pedro occupying the right-flank and most of Chelsea's attacks went through him.

The young winger was the constant threat to the Barcelona backline and his energetic performance impressed the fans, as he left to a rapturous reception from the fans.

Pulisic was substituted in the 60th-minute mark in favor of Olivier Giroud and although the American wasn't on the score-sheet, his strong showing in the final third puts him in contention to start the season on the right flank.

Pulisic caused Barcelona problems with his pace and trickery on the ball and Chelsea will be hoping their new talisman carries on his exploits into the forthcoming season.

#4 - Ross Barkley

Barkley was one of the standout players in the second half

Ross Barkley featured as the furthest midfield player on the pitch, replacing Mason Mount after 60 minutes on the clock and the Englishman was the best player on the pitch in the final quarter of the game.

A recurring theme with the players picked out is that as many as three of them are midfielders, which is quite telling.

Barkley showed industry and drive in abundance and the Englishman capped off a fine performance with a fantastic goal in the second half, putting the game beyond any reasonable doubt.

Starting as a No.10 in a 4-2-3-1, he ran the show after being subbed on and although it's just pre-season, it's hard not to take positives from his showing.

Barkley is set to contest for a spot in the starting eleven alongside fellow countryman Mason Mount, and the 25-year-old staked his claim for a starting role in the Chelsea eleven with a terrific showing against quality opposition.

#5 - Kepa Arrizabalaga

Arrizalaga enjoyed a fantastic outing against Barcelona

Arrizabalaga took his place between the sticks for the first time this season and he carried on from where he left off last season.

The Spaniard has seen his reputation soar after joining for a world-record fee of £71 million in 2018 and has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the country after his exploits for Chelsea last season.

Ivan Rakitic's late wondergoal aside, Arrizabalaga refused to be beaten as he saved everything that came his way, most notably thwarting Antoine Griezmann's effort in the first half.

The 24-year-old is as good a shot-stopper as he is with his feet, making him one of the complete goalkeepers in world football and enhanced his reputation further with an assured showing against the La Liga champions.

His reliable performance is sure to cause optimism among Chelsea fans as the Blues hope to enjoy a successful season under Frank Lampard.

Edited by Zaid Khan