Former Liverpool star Dirk Kuyt has described Steven Gerrard as "not normal" as he lifted the lid on their Anfield relationship.
And the Dutchman has urged Feyenoord's stars to seek inspiration from the Rangers boss' legendary playing career ahead of Thursday's Europa League clash.
Kuyt is now Feyenoord's U-19 coach and is looking forward to a reunion at Ibrox this week.
The pair played together in front of the Kop for more than six years and the Dutchman describes Gerrard as the most special footballer he's ever encountered.
Kuyt revealed Gerrard took him under his wing after a move to Merseyside in 2006 and admits he constantly looked to his captain for guidance.
"The first player I met at the club was Steven Gerrard. He was the captain of the team and he was the first to put me at ease," Kuyt said.
"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 leader and what it meant to be a real professional.
"So he gave everything every day, not just on Saturday afternoons or Champions League evenings, but from Monday to Friday he led the fight.
"He wanted to be the best every day. With that he gave the team much more than with lengthy speeches.
"If it went well, but especially if it went bad. Everyone was drawn to him and so was I."
"I have been able to play with many big players at Liverpool, with Torres, Suarez, Alonso and Mascherano. In the Dutch national team with Van Persie, Robben and Sneijder.
"But in many ways, Gerrard has remained the most special player for me.
"He also had everything, he could give a pass over 40 meters, tackle, score, 50 metres back, it was sometimes not normal."
As Feyenoord prepare for a trip to Glasgow, Kuyt believes each and every player at the club can learn lessons from Gerrard's career.
He recalled the midfielder's reaction to being dropped towards the end of his career as a stand out example.
Kuyt added: "Every player at our club should look at Steven Gerrard's career and look at his winning mentality.
"I remember when I was at Liverpool, towards the end of Steven's career, there was a match where he didn't even make the 16-man squad.
"In the Netherlands, when that happens, it's always someone else's fault. Their first reaction is to blame someone.
"Do you know what Steven did? He said nothing, went home and trained harder than I've ever seen someone train the next day.
"That's what he is all about.
"When he turned up at my testimonial, that's the measure of the man. He was very busy and didn't have to do it.
"We have a really special friendship. I am really looking forward to seeing him at Ibrox this week.
"I want all our players to have his mentality, let nothing stand in the way of a bright future."
