Is it time for Eden Hazard to call it a day at Chelsea?

Let's reverse a week back to the night where Barcelona hosted defending Premier League champions Chelsea at the Camp Nou, with the scores finely poised at 1-1 from the first leg, as a place in this season's UEFA Champions League quarter-finals was up for grabs.

Barcelona cruised to a 3-0 victory in the end, courtesy of a Lionel Messi brace and a thunderous finish from Ousmane Dembélé - who was assisted by the Argentine maestro.

Dembélé celebrating his excellent finish, the Frenchman's first for Barcelona, alongside Messi

The hosts made their win seem so easy and comfortable, whilst the Blues - who had 14 shots on goal - failed to score even a consolation on a frustrating away trip to Spain.

Hazard's big moment, squandered

This fixture should've been the golden opportunity for Eden Hazard to showcase what he's made of against tougher opposition. An audition for him, if you will, to make his mark at the highest level against Europe's elite sides. Considered the most naturally talented and skilful player in England's top-flight, Chelsea's number ten was left a mere spectator as Barça cruised into the last-eight.

It was just another display of mediocrity from the Belgian international, as part of an already difficult campaign that he has been having. The 27-year-old has continuously been unsuccessful in meeting the type of high standards he's previously set for himself, in terms of overall quality as well as efficiency in the final third.

He has created 63 chances in England's top-flight this term - netting 11 goals and a further three assists from 26 appearances thus far. Though respectable numbers, they aren't particularly impressive for a player of Hazard's world-class aspirations and that's clear for all to see from watching him in action.

Hazard on the run during Chelsea's FA Cup quarter-final win over Leicester this past weekend

So, it's decision time

Speculation continues to surround Hazard's name and where his long-term future will be remains a mystery. Real Madrid and the aforementioned Barcelona continue to pop up as potential destinations for Eden to consider once this current campaign is complete, which is naturally the type of interest that he has always desired.

After his individual performances against the better sides though, why would club scouts persist in trying to secure his services - not least for the type of money that Chelsea would be prepared to let him leave for, as he would definitely not be a cheap acquisition.

It seems as though Hazard has found himself at a dead end, as his career is stagnating at Chelsea and in hindsight, should have probably left last season after a second Premier League triumph. Now, he's stuck, looks frustrated and in need of a fresh challenge.

At 27-years-old, he should be relishing the best years of his playing career and if he is to develop into a true legend of the beautiful game, he must start delivering at the very top level and quickly too. Currently in 5th, Chelsea find themselves five points outside the top four and their chances of securing Champions League qualification ahead of next season appear dubious given their faltering form under Antonio Conte this term.

Obviously, you cannot really pin the blame solely on Hazard for the stagnancy that his career is suffering from. He's still a top player with plenty of attributes to boot, but needs a fresh start and a new challenge - whether that be Real Madrid, Barcelona or otherwise.