The transfer window could not have gone better to plan for manager Steve Bruce at Aston Villa as his business has been met with the delight of a number of outgoings. 

It was clear that the team needed a minor shake-up and somewhat more experience if they were adamant on pursuing a promotion bid back to the Premier League, and a measly four additions have walked through the Villa Park doors this summer.

However, it isn't all about the numbers and there are specifically a few in the first-team picture who are pivotal to the side and any such shake-up would not only disrupt the flow, but actually cause a riot of chaos as they are the backbone of this group of players.

Aston Villa just wouldn't click if it weren't for these squad members, and a mid-table limbo such as last season would be a regular occurrence.

Here are those TWO stars that if Villa were without then they just would not function properly.....

Mile Jedinak

Mile Jedinak was one of Aston Villa's first summer signings last year following their uninspiring relegation to the Championship and it is definitely safe to say that the Australiann international certainly became a regular figure in the first-team.

The 32-year-old featured in 33 league outings for Steve Bruce's side last term and proved to be an integral part of the side.

Jedinak's versatility to ply himself in the centre-back role, if needed, and as a rock-solid defensive midfield has allows him to breakdown the opposition attack imminently, and it's that sort of reliability that's made him a fan favourite in his first twelve months at the club.

Conor Hourihane

Another midfield workhorse, Conor Hourihane had played a pivotal role in Aston Villa's ascent up the Championship table in the second-half of the 2016/17 campaign, upon his arrival from Barnsley in January.

Having accumulated two caps for the Republic of Ireland senior squad, Hourihane has become a consistent member of Aston Villa's first-team and it would come to no surprise if he continues such form going into the new season.

Whilst it may not be noticeable at first glance, the 26-year-old's absence from Steve Bruce's side would be hugely damaging and he forms the real backbone of this club's midfield.

Aston Villa fans, do you agree that your team just wouldn't function without these two? Are there any others who could fit into this category? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!