Former forward Dirk Kuyt has described Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard as the best player that he lined up alongside during his career.

Despite his large affinity to Feyenoord, Kuyt's most memorable time of his playing days came with the Merseyside giants, whom he represented between 2006 and 2012.

While citing more than one of his ex-Liverpool teammates as having an influence, Kuyt has acknowledged that the talent and character of Gerrard stood out to him.

Speaking to De Telegraaf, the Dutchman said: "I have been able to play with many big players at Liverpool. With [Fernando] Torres, [Luis] Suarez, [Xabi] Alonso and [Javier] Mascherano. In the Dutch national team with [Robin] Van Persie, [Arjen] Robben and [Wesley] Sneijder.

"But in many ways, Gerrard has remained the most special player for me. He also had everything. Could give a pass over 40 meters, tackle, score, fifty meters back, it was sometimes not normal.

"The first player I encountered at the club was Steven Gerrard. He was the captain of the team and he was the first to put me at ease. Not a man of many words, but he shook my hand and said, 'I hope I will win a lot of prizes with you here'.

"In the period that followed I saw how he took the lead as a captain and what it meant to be a real professional.

Kuyt scored a total of 72 goals from 285 appearances during his time at Anfield.