Sir Alex Ferguson saw it and now Aston Villa have proven the legendary manager right.
On the opening weekend of the Premier League season, the former Manchester United boss made an appearance on NBC Sports and was asked who has impressed him the most.
While many might have expected the Scotsman to say Arsenal, Liverpool or even Manchester City, his view on Villa may have surprised those watching considering they had just been beaten 5-1 by Newcastle.
“To be honest with you, I watched Aston Villa against Newcastle, and I can’t believe the scoreline.
“Honestly, Aston Villa played fantastic football, and just lost bad goals.
“Newcastle are going to be very difficult to beat, in their own ground in particular, and the manager [Eddie Howe] has done a great job there.
“But it’s a surprising game, football. I mean, you can play teams off the pitch but you don’t score, and that’s what happened to Aston Villa.”
But the 82-year-old, who won a record 13 Premier League titles with United, saw things no one else could – and now Villa have secured themselves Champions League football for next season.
Their return to the top table of European football will be the first since the Champions League was rebranded in 1992 and a first in the European Cup since they won it in 1982.
Watching the clip of Fergie, one fan wrote: “This has to go down as one of the best calls ever? Alex Ferguson saying Aston Villa were the team to take out of the opening weekend after they lost 5-1 to Newcastle. 4th place and Champions League secured tonight. Some job from Unai Emery.”
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Another posted: “Fergie is a legend for a reason, 13 time PL winner can foresee things clearly.”
A third said: “Because he’s the greatest manager to ever exist.”
While this fan put: “How about that for foresight.”
On Tuesday night, Villa’s squad began the celebrations after watching Tottenham lose to City.
Spurs can no longer mathematically leap ahead of Villa, who are assured of their highest finishing position since finishing fourth in 1995/96.
It comes after a stellar campaign from Unai Emery’s men, with players including Ollie Watkins, Douglas Luiz and captain John McGinn proving pivotal.
At Palace on the final day, it will be a party atmosphere for the travelling fans.