Chelsea vs. Inter Milan: Stars to Watch in 2013 International Champions Cup Tilt

The 2013 International Cup of Champions continues this week with a trio of first-round matches pitting well-known club teams against one another. 

One of those opening-round tilts will see Chelsea take on Inter Milan in a matchup typically reserved for the UEFA Champions League. Although it's nothing more than an exhibition, each club will want to put on a show for fans inside Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

In this article we'll highlight a handful of stars worth watching in Thursday's match. 

Marco van Ginkel, Chelsea

The Blues haven't been able to get their hands on a big-name superstar this summer, but they have added a quality player in midfield, bringing in 20-year-old Dutch Talent of the Year Marco van Ginkel.

A versatile midfielder, Van Ginkel can finish around the box or create chances for teammates. 

The former Vitesse Arnhem standout scored nearly a dozen goals last season while recording a handful of assists. 

He's recently seen some action in Asia for Chelsea's preseason tour. He's yet to record his first goal for the English powerhouse but should have another opportunity to break through on Thursday in Indianapolis. 

Rodrigo Palacio, Inter Milan

Veteran Argentine striker Rodrigo Palacio is one of the few big-time goalscorers on Inter Milan's squad at the moment.

The 31-year-old led the club with 12 goals in Serie A play last season and also recorded five assists.

Palacio has appeared in nearly 40 matches for Inter since joining the club in 2012. Surprisingly, he's scored more than 20 goals for the Italian giants over that time, proving he still has plenty left in the tank.

Inter may have hit a rut following its string of five consecutive titles from 2005 to 2010, but the play of Palacio as of late has been something fans can smile about.

Ramires, Chelsea

Brazilian midfielder Ramires has been a deadly goalscorer for Chelsea this preseason, netting two in the club's recent rout of Indonesia. 

The 26-year-old has flown under the radar a bit since coming over to Stamford Bridge from Benfica in 2010 despite scoring 23 goals and recording 14 assists in three seasons. With Jose Mourinho looking to figure things out in his return to the club, Ramires should see some more opportunities to showcase his skills against Inter Milan.

There's definitely a lot to love about Ramires' game. He possesses great speed and is rarely ever winded during the course of a match. 

On top of that, he is poised on the ball, making him both a scoring and creative threat.

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