Form is temporary. Class is permanent.
And David Villa is one footballer who epitomises that adage as well as anybody who has ever stepped on a pitch.
The Spanish legend who became one of the best forwards in Europe during his five years with Valencia before enjoying stints at Barcelona and Atletico Madrid opened the scoring for new club New York City tonight.
The 33-year-old finished off a textbook 1-2 with Ned Grabavoy on the edge of the box before firing past Bobby Shuttleworth.
It looks like Robbie Keane might have some competition for the MLS MVP award.