Former Arsenal defender Sol Campbell believes that there is no longer a need for players to go to the likes of Real Madrid or Barcelona to truly define their careers, with Eden Hazard a prime example.
The Belgium international wide man has been in fine form for Chelsea during the current Premier League season, but Campbell warns against the idea of going out to Spain just for the reputation of their biggest clubs alone.
"Back in the day, you almost needed to go to Real Madrid or Barcelona to be truly world class," the ex-England international told Sky Sports' Premier League Daily.
"He is world class but in the perception of people's minds sometimes you have got to go to these clubs to almost say 'look, I've played at the biggest clubs in the world'.
"Chelsea are a massive club but sometimes people do think that to really see your potential as a world class star, sometimes players have got to play for Real Madrid or Barcelona to put that cherry on the cake.
"At the moment he is definitely up there for this season because his performances have been exemplary. He's also going international as well, so you have got to do it both at international level and for your club.
"Right now he is playing unbelievably and he is world class for sure."
When asked about his own career choices back in his playing days, ex-England international Campbell revealed that he was given the chance to play in Spain himself.
"I didn't think that but I wouldn't mind going there, I wouldn't mind," he admitted. "Barcelona came along in and around my first move from Tottenham to Arsenal.
"There were a few clubs around there. I was tempted but they came in right at the end."
