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The Spaniard twice called on former England manager Fabio Capello to give Moses a chance but, after a torrid time with the Under-21s, the Chelsea star declared for Nigeria

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez believes England have missed out on a potential world-beater in Chelsea starlet Victor Moses.

The winger joined the Blues from Martinez's Wigan for £9 million in the summer and has made an instant impact at Stamford Bridge, netting three times despite largely being restricted to substitute appearances.

Eligible for both England and Nigeria on the international stage, Moses initially represented his adopted nation at youth level but, after becoming frustrated at a lack of opportunities, he opted to play for his country of origin.

And Martinez, who twice called then-England boss Fabio Capello to outline Moses' star potential and plead his player's case for a call-up, believes the Three Lions' loss is Nigeria's gain.

"Victor is quite a unique player. When you work with him you realise he is not a normal footballer and not a typical modern winger," Martinez told the Daily Mail.

"He is an old-fashioned type of winger, with incredible raw talent that allows him to go past people. He brings real penetration to the wide positions.

"Teams are so well set up tactically these days that you need players who can bring something different, and they don’t appear that often.

‘Victor is that type, though. Even if you look at the great footballing cultures, like Spain and Holland, you see that players of this type are very rare. Victor could have been a real weapon for any team in world football.

"Football is a matter of opinions, so there is no right or wrong over whether he should have been tied to England. But it is difficult to find players like him, not just in England, and I am sure he could have adapted anywhere."

Martinez knows all about Moses' talent from his time at Wigan and believes the best is yet to come if he continues to develop at Chelsea.

"If he continues to have the same impact at Chelsea, he will get plenty of chances to show his talent. He is ready to compete at that level and show what he is about," the Spaniard added.

"It is no surprise to see him playing at the highest level, and you have to remember he is still a very young man in football terms.

"He is going to be as good as he wants to be. You just have to admire his mentality. Nothing fazes him, and the best is yet to come, that is for sure."