Brendan Rodgers believes that Steven Gerrard is a central figure to everything he is trying to accomplish at Liverpool this season.
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Much has been made of Liverpool's philosophy of promoting youth from within the club, but the Ulsterman admits having the right senior players in the squad is key to implementing his vision.
Gerrard, now 32, has 16 months left on his current deal with the Reds, but the former Swansea boss was quick to deny any talk of the talismanic skipper leaving Merseyside.
"He is vital to us, and I recognise that. I know he has 16 months left on his contract, but I would want him to go beyond that for this club and this team," Rodgers told SkySports.
"He has been an inspirational captain for us, he has been a huge figure in the development of this team. We are improving, we are growing, and he has influenced that.
"Absolutely I would want him to stay beyond his current contract and extend it - there is absolutely no question about that.
"What I would say with Steven is he has a real hunger to succeed. He may be 32 years of age, but he's still got so much left."
The 39-year-old believes the England international's standards and professionalism throughout his career will help him be a success towards the end of his career.
"He applies himself right, he eats well, he recovers well, he works well, he does everything right. This is a guy who has led his life right as a football player and that allows you to play well into your 30s," he added.
"Look, he has played every minute of every league game for us which shows what an incredible figure for us he is, and it is huge credit to him and his quality."
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