That's the verdict of Sky Sports pundit and former Blues midfield maestro Ray Wilkins.

The Italian midfielder, currently with New York City, confirmed on Sunday that he will retire at the end of the current Major League Soccer season.

Wilkins, who has twice been assistant manager at Stamford Bridge, believes Pirlo would be the right fit for Chelsea.

"I said this at the start of the season because Steve Holland left, I thought Pirlo would be the ideal guy," Wilkins told Sky Sports News.

"He speaks English, he knows Antonio Conte really well and would be a great addition to the Chelsea backroom staff."

Pirlo, 38, was linked with a move to Chelsea when Carlo Ancelotti was in charge before he opted to join Conte at Juventus.

The pair won three Serie A league titles together in three years in Turin.

Wilkins added: "If you can get an ear like Pirlo's back in the set-up it would be a massive assistance to him (Conte).

"Observation is really important.

"When you play with the elitists, which is what Chelsea are, then you need little snippets of everything.

"It's only fine details that change a drawing side into a winning side.

"I think he would be a good addition.

Pirlo has featured in just 15 of New York City's 32 games this season.

But when asked about his future plans was coy about links with Chelsea.

He told Gazzetta dello Sport: "My future, I don't know yet. I will return to Italy in December.

"An assistant to Conte? People are saying that.

"I have my ideas but I need time to decide."