John Arne Riise (L) says Rafael Benitez (R) is the best coach he has ever worked under

Rafa Benitez is a "tactical genius" who will lead Newcastle back into the Premier League, according to former Liverpool defender John Arne Riise.

Riise won the Champions League, Super Cup and the FA Cup under Benitez at Liverpool during four of his seven years on Merseyside under the current Newcastle manager.

Newcastle are set to face Huddersfield on Saturday afternoon in their second Sky Bet Championship match of the season and Benitez's will be looking for a response from his side after the surprise 1-0 loss to Fulham at Craven Cottage.

However, the flame-haired Norwegian says the former Real Madrid and Inter Milan boss is the best manager he has ever played under and will be able to cope with the challenges of the Championship.

"I'm sure he will get them back up even though they lost against Fulham which I wasn't unhappy about because I used to play for the club," Riise told Sky Sports.

John Arne Riise recreates his famous free-kick against Man Utd. John Arne Riise recreates his famous free-kick against Man Utd.

"It's a very competitive league and I think it's different to what Benitez has experienced before in terms of the way games are played.

"Benitez will need to adapt a little bit but he is brilliant and he will do that. Benitez is so hard-working, he's a tactical genius.

"I still keep in touch with Rafa and I really wish him well. He's the best manager I've had and somebody I shared so much with together."