The Whites legend believes this trio of stars are vital for the club’s hopes.
Leeds United legend Eddie Gray has named the three players he believes are key to his old side’s hopes this season, in an interview with the Aston Villa website ahead of Saturday’s clash between the two teams.
The Whites are enjoying a solid first season under Garry Monk, and have flourished in the Championship in recent weeks.
After a difficult start to the campaign, the West Yorkshire club have lost just four of their last 15 games in all competitions, and have won four of the last six in the league.
Much of their success has been built around some of the signings Monk made during the summer transfer window, with the likes of Kemar Roofe and Hadi Sacko impressing on occasion.
However, Gray believes there are three players who are vitally important to the club this season, naming two summer signings and top scorer Chris Wood when quizzed by the Villa website.
Gray said: “The thing about our club in recent weeks, since we’ve started to play well, is that we’re stronger in the middle of the park. The centre-back we’ve brought in from Sweden, Pontus Jansson, he’s strong, physical and a bit of a character.
“Then you’ve got Eunan O’Kane, a Republic of Ireland international, in central midfield and then Chris Wood at centre-forward. Down the centre of the park we’re pretty strong. I feel that’s the basis of the side.
“The other players are doing very well but those three players are important to us. I would imagine the three of them will play at the weekend.”
Jansson in particular has become an Elland Road hero as a result of his commanding presence at the heart of the backline and his obvious passion on and off the pitch.
O’Kane has added class and leadership to the midfield, and Wood is in fine form. The New Zealand striker has 12 goals in 22 appearances this season, including five in his last eight.
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