The best lift is the one that works for you and not anyone else. Thought the big three, of squats, benches and BB rows have developed many, many men over the years.
(Just to note; the legs are a pushing movement. The hams are a pulling movement. Remembering that a push is moving an object away from the body. Pulling, towards the body. Surprisingly, the DL is a pushing exercise. The upper body is only holding the bar in position, while the legs push away from the floor/ground. Which only confirms the benefit of a semi static hold for building power and muscle mass, giving witness to the huge backs developed by some B'ers & power lifters)
If squats do it for you, than great. They can be a superior exercise .Others find squatting a waste of time, or even a injury potential and prefer leg presses, BB Hacks, etc.Same applied to benches and rows. If not improving, than switch to another major pull & pull exercise. Good Luck.