The Liverpool captain, Steven Gerrard, has been so convinced by the performances of Luis Suárez that he is certain the Uruguay forward is going to become an Anfield legend.

Suárez has already made a big impression since joining Liverpool in January and put in a typically energetic performance in Saturday's 1-0 defeat by Stoke City.

Although Liverpool went down to their first loss of the season, the striker kept plugging away, carving out chances and posing problems to the Stoke defence and Gerrard – who is working his way back to full fitness after a groin problem – can see Suárez going on to write his name into the Merseyside club's folklore.

Asked whether Suarez could become an all-time Reds great, Gerrard told the club's website: "I don't see why not. He's still young enough and I'm sure he's going to get even better than he is now, which is a scary thought. He's got the appetite for the game to learn and get better.

"Hopefully he will go on here for a long time because he's certainly got a massive part to play at this club in the future – the history is there to be written."

Suárez has scored three times so far this term and Gerrard feels that if the 24-year-old can keep it up, Liverpool will be firmly in the hunt for trophies.

"He's a very enthusiastic footballer and very intelligent," the captain said. "He's like a kid in the street and he can't wait to get out for training and games.

"Alongside Dirk [Kuyt] of late, they've been like two Duracell bunnies. They just don't stop and for defenders that must be a nightmare, knowing when you control the ball those two will be chasing.

"It's fantastic to have him and hopefully he can continue his form until the end of the season. If he does, it will give us a much better chance of getting some silverware."