It was a poor summer window for Steve Bruce's Aston Villa on the back of a playoff let down last season, but they have a talented squad and may have enough to challenge again. 

Villa have started the season in a very inconsistent way, starting well but then going on a poor run that included an embarrassing defeat at Bramall Lane as Sheffield United won 4-1.

Steve Bruce was heavily criticised that day by both Villa fans and the watching football world.

Sitting 12th in the league, many would rightly say Aston Villa are massively underachieving, although it is early days.

Despite their ill fortunes of late, Bruce has a talented squad at his disposal and some individual talent that should be enough to propel the Birmingham outfit to mount another promotion charge.

Here, we look at the THREE most valuable players at Aston Villa...

The best way to describe Mile Jedinak is 'different'. He genuinely cares about the players and fans of the club he plays for and as a leader, represents and fights for those around him.

The Australian played at centre-back last time out, but in his natural position in midfield, Jedinak uses his experience to guard the defence, whilst also being more than adequate offensively.

Jonathan Kodija represents Villa's second most important player. As the leading striker, Kodija has netted three times so far this season, including a double in a tough game against Brentford.

He recently admitted that he has 'rediscovered joy in playing football again' after a tough few seasons with injury.

If Kodija can stay fit this season and keep within the goals, he is a frightening prospect for all defences.

The most valuable player to Villa both on the pitch and money wise is Jack Grealish. One of the tediously long transfer saga's this summer was Grealish being linked with a move away from the club, with Tottenham the most cited potential destination.

Although some labelled this as a 'panic buy' for Spurs, there is a reason why they courted him all summer: Jack Grealish is one of the best young talents in English football.

Should the young Englishman carry on on this trajectory, he will play a massive role in Villa's successes this season, should they have any.

At the tender age of 23, the young lad known for his array of dribbling and attacking talents, as well as his trademark low socks, is Villa's most valuable player.