The winger had to bide his time for a chance last term but took
it with aplomb with a series of dazzling displays after
Christmas.
With Dirk
Kuyt, Ryan
Babel, Albert Riera
and others all fighting for
places out wide, the competition is just as fierce this
season.
Benayoun impressed from the left in the 4-0 victory over Stoke on
Wednesday but insists he is happy to play anywhere.
"I like to play from the left. A few years ago for the national
team in Israel I always played on the left and I enjoy it," said
the 29-year-old.
"I am able to cut inside to the middle and get plenty of the ball,
which makes it a bit easier. But I will be happy to play
anywhere.
"Every player wants to start every game but it is the manager's
decision to decide who is to start and who will not, so every time
that I get my chance I just try to do my best.
"Even if I only get to come on for 10 or 20 minutes or, like on
Wednesday night, when I get to start I always give my all. I always
try my best to impress.
"Of course I want to start more and more games but my job is to
work hard and try to prove myself and this is what I try to
do."