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By Stuart Roach BBC Sport Online

Ajax midfielder Rafael van der Vaart is being watched by some of Europe's leading clubs

Van der Vaart is attracting interest from Europe

Dutch legend Arnold Muhren has warned Liverpool that they may have to be patient if they want to land Ajax teenager Rafael van der Vaart.

Anfield boss Gerard Houllier has been linked with a summer move for the 19-year-old, who is already a full international for Holland.

Liverpool linked with Van der Vaart

But Muhren, a former Ajax star who made a name for himself in England with Ipswich and Manchester United, believes Holland's latest prodigy should wait a little longer before making a move abroad.

"He's a very talented player, but he can only become a better player with experience," Muhren told BBC Sport Online.

"You have to give him time. A lot of people expect a lot from him, which is natural because he has got very good qualities.

Rafael van der Vaart of Holland and England's Jermaine Defoe battle during a European Championship qualifier at Pride Park in 2001
Van der Vaart battles with Jermain Defoe in an under-21 international
"But he is only 19. This is his first full year and sometimes people can leave too soon.

"It may be better to play for another year and maybe he needs another year or two until he has more international experience."

Muhren, though, admitted that the teenage star might find it hard to resist overtures from the Premiership and beyond.

"He has said before that he wanted to play for Ajax for another year or two - but a lot of players have said that.

"It's very difficult to say for sure whether he will move to another country next year or not. It's all up to him."

Muhren, who boasted the sweetest of left foots during his five years in England's top flight, can see the qualities that have prompted interest from around Europe.

He has a good left foot and can score with his right too

Arnold Muhren

Barcelona, Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Juventus are among the other clubs reported to be keen on the Dutch international, and Muhren is convinced Van der Vaart would be an asset to any of them.

"If he can continue to play well for Ajax and for the national side, then he will be a good player for any team in Europe.

"He has good technique, a very good pass and excellent vision.

"He has a good left foot and can score with his right too - and he is physical as well."

One of the main attractions for Liverpool would appear to be Van der Vaart's ability to play a supporting role behind two strikers.

Arnold Muhren in action for Holland against England in a 1982 international
Muhren wore the Dutch colours with pride
Houllier, whose side face Van der Vaart's Ajax in last year's Amsterdam Tournament, is believed to be searching for a player in that position and was recently linked with a move for Galatasaray's Turkish international Hasan Sas.