Riise has admitted that his form last season was poor, but he hopes to turn that around under the management of the ex-Valencia boss. His pre-season form has given Riise confidence that he can remain a first-team regular.
"I think there is going to be a big turn-around of players, and I just hope that I can show what I can do and win a place in those plans from the new coach," he said.
"Even though there were times last season when Gerard Houllier didn't pick me, there was never a time when I felt I should leave.
"Players always get changed, but I have played 150 games in three seasons and that is a lot. Nobody can play every game - they can't because you have to rest.
"But sometimes I was left out because of my form, I knew it was not right and I had no complaints about the former manager's decisions.
"But in the last dozen or so games last term I felt I was was getting back to my normal form and I now feel I have started this season well. Hopefully it will all come right now at the right time under a new manager.
"Benitez knows where my best position is. I have played left-side midfield and left-back during pre-season, that is where I will play.
"It's hard to say where I am happiest, all I want is for Benitez to select me, and it does not matter where.
"There is competition for places in the roles that I play, but I am confident I can do a job in either position."
