Steven Gerrard insists he always tries to utilise the skills shown by his former managers, but concedes certain aspects of Gerard Houllier are impossible to recreate.
The former Liverpool man died on Monday at the age of 73.
It was under Houllier that Gerrard broke into the Reds first team before he went on to become a club legend.
The Frenchman also delivered three trophies in one season back in 2001.
But Gerrard has highlighted the depth of the relationship that existed between Houllier and his players as a major strength.
"I always try and take all the best bits from all the coaches and managers," he told Sky Sports.
"It's impossible for me to add the charisma, the care and the love that Gerard carried.
"I think every player that has worked with him will certainly echo that. He was just a special human being.
"This is not a guy who would focus solely on football and what you gave to him in terms of the relationship player-to-manager.
"This was someone who, at my age, wanted to change me as a human being into an elite professional, who wanted me to be a better person, who wanted me to really understand the tactics and the game in a different way and become an even better player and build all the other stuff around the talent I had at that age. I'll never forget that."
Gerrard is tipped to one day return to Anfield as a manager.
He is doing his chances no harm currently with his Rangers outfit steaming towards the Scottish title.
Gerrard is in his third full season as boss and is yet to see his team lose in the league as Rangers open up a 13 point lead.
"Gerard was at the forefront of that in terms of shaping me into a better player, a better person, a better leader," the 40-year-old added.
"So I've got an awful lot to thank the man for and I'm finding it really hard to come to terms with it right now."
