Frank Lampard has been generous in his praise of Mateo Kovacic.

The 41-year-old was impressed with the Croatian's performance in Tuesday's 2-1 win over Barcelona.

Signed permanently from Real Madrid after a season on loan at Stamford Bridge, Kovacic looks set to play an important role in Lampard's side.

Speaking to the club's website, Lampard said: "I thought he was outstanding in the first half. I really liked Kovacic last season, I watched Chelsea a lot. I saw lots in his game I really liked and what I've found here on this tour from the first day he turned up is a hungry attitude, desire to work and an incredible talent on the ball and I want to work with him and help him improve.

"I think there's so much talent there and I really like him. I'm really pleased, we know we've got numbers in midfield areas but I can't help but be excited by some of the elements in his performance today and I think there's even more to come."