New York, July 8 (IANS): Former England midfielder Frank Lampard considers himself lucky to play alongside Italian football legend Andrea Pirlo.

Pirlo joined American club New York City FC on Monday from Italian champions Juventus and was instantly praised by Lampard, himself a legend at English team Chelsea.

Lampard said he can't wait to play alongside two greats of the game, Pirlo and Spanish ace David Villa.

"David and Andrea are at the top of the list, I'm a lucky man to be in the same squad as them," Lampard was quoted as saying by goal.com on Tuesday.

"I've been watching all the games. I know every player and how they play. It will be a pleasure to play with them every day. I think Pirlo is the best at getting his ball to dip and dive off the free kick. He can have the first one" he added.

Lampard spent the last season on loan at English side Manchester City from the Major League Soccer (MLS) outfit. But this season he will play for the MLS side and could make his debut in Sunday's meeting with Toronto FC.