The Norwegian international feels he can fulfil his dream of captaining the national under the leadership of Benitez after becoming disenchanted with the 'stale' regime of Gerard Houllier.
Riise said: "We needed a new boss because we had gone stale and a lot of players were short of confidence.
"Benitez has a much different way than Houllier when it comes to picking the team. Before, we didn't know why we had been left out or when we would get back.
"Now we are clear on what our tactics are and I am clear in my mind on the way Benitez wants me to play.
"I'm looking forward to a good fourth season at Liverpool and my dream is to be captain of Norway. That's my goal and I'll achieve it if I show maturity and ability at Liverpool."
