Suarez has had a huge impact ever since his arrival at Anfield and he puts it all down to the guidance he received from the Dutch legend during his time at Ajax.

Speaking to Liverpool's official website, he revealed:"Even as a kid in Uruguay I knew I would one day have to play in Europe.

"And I saw Holland as a great school. I learned so much in my time in Holland and, because of the way they do things there, I don't think I would have learned as much somewhere else.

"I was a selfish player. But they [Van Basten, Dennis Bergkamp, Frank de Boer, Henk ten Cate] taught me the importance of being part of a team. Van Basten taught me a lot about how to play as a forward; about shooting techniques and about things that worked for him. His movement, his technique.

"But from all of them I learned about remaining calm on the pitch; when in front of goal and also when being fouled. You have to try not to react; take a step back. I learned to control my attitude more."

From there on, Suarez's rise within the Ajax ranks was meteoric and he was elevated to captain by coach Martin Jol after Thomas Vermaelen departed for Arsenal.

"He [Jol] said I had the qualities to become the captain," said the forward. "Even though I didn't speak every word of Dutch.

"He said I could transfer my mentality and my attitude to the team. I think it really helped with my development, to be captain.

"I always want more. I always want my team to perform to their best. We can win 4-0 but I want to win by eight. I don't like to lose. I never accept defeat."

Finally Suarez commented on the fact that he is the club's number seven - a jersey that has been graced by no other than coach and legend Kenny Dalglish himself.

"I hadn't realised its history when I asked for the seven," said the 24-year-old. "I was asked what number and I chose it.

"But now I'm quite happy that I did, now I know about players like Kenny Dalglish and Kevin Keegan. I have seen some videos of Dalglish scoring for Liverpool. He was a great player."

And the Uruguayan refused to compare himself to Dalglish, saying: "No. I wouldn't compare myself to him."