Luis Suarez has claimed that former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers played an essential part in his rise to stardom at Barcelona.

The Uruguay international starred under Rodgers during a three-year spell at Anfield, before moving to Camp Nou in a £75m deal in 2014.

Following a lengthy ban from action, Suarez soon settled into his new surroundings and is now a contender for next year's Ballon d'Or award following another impressive season in front of goal.

However, the 29-year-old says that he may not have been the same player he is today had it not been for Rodgers's input during his time on Merseyside.

"Such a big part of my education is down to him and his management," he is quoted as saying by talkSPORT. "Of course he works to make the team stronger but he really works on a one-to-one level with the players.

"He will sit down with each player at the club, and work on where you can improve, where you can exploit opposition, he leaves nothing to chance. He is a very intelligent man. If the players at his next club listen to his words, they will become better players for sure."

Rodgers was sacked by Liverpool last October, but is widely expected to take charge of managerless Celtic ahead of next season.

"He is one of the best coaches in Europe and I am not surprised he is looking to get back in to the game because it is a game he loves," Suarez added.

"I am glad he has taken his time since leaving Liverpool. He should only be looking at the top jobs, with the top clubs, who will be playing Champions League football. If it was not for Brendan, then I know I would not be the same player that you see at Barcelona today."

Suarez found the net 40 times this season, making him La Liga's top scorer ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.