Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes Luis Suarez's work ethic makes him a perfect role model for the club's aspiring youngsters.
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The Uruguay striker has been a much-maligned figure since he moved to England from Ajax Amsterdam two years ago, generating controversy at an alarming rate.
But he has also done the business and is currently in superb form, leading the Premier League goalscoring charts this season with ten goals thus far.
Rodgers has built his Anfield revolution around Suarez as his focal point, whom he expects to defend from the front, as well as take the initiative on attack.
According to the Reds boss, it is the 25-year-old's self-belief and high-work rate that rubs off on the rest of the team.
"Your No. 9 is always a reference for the team, whether it is through goals or his presence," Rodgers told the Daily Mirror.
"With Luis, he's a real reference for this team, because of what he brings - what you get is an all-round game. He has great confidence, and yes, that transmits itself to the rest of the team.
"We want to work and press the ball high up the field and if you have a No. 9 who doesn't want to do that, that can be difficult for you.
"You cannot function as a team that way. But Luis offers a great presence up there, and is a great reference for this team, which is important to us.
"I think maybe he's scoring more because it's one where he suits the role and the function of the team; playing in that loose striker's role that allows him more freedom.
"He is not playing off second balls off anyone, he is playing off the movement and cleverness in and around the box, and that suits him.
"It is confidence, it is work on the training field and it is the player. He is very confident, he is enjoying his work and you see that in his game.
"Don't get me wrong Luis is a is a real masterclass marksman - up there with the world's best - but maybe the team deserve credit for his form, too."
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