Fit-again Pleguezuelo a 'huge player' for Plymouth

Julio Pleguezuelo is the first Spanish player to play for Plymouth Argyle [Shutterstock] Plymouth Argyle boss Tom Cleverley says Julio Pleguezuelo's return to full fitness has been a major boost to his side. The Spanish defender missed much of last season after knee surgery and calf problems meant he played just 10 times. The 29-year-old has featured in every League One match this season and impressed in Saturday's 3-0 win over Barnsle y at Home Park. "Technically he's a huge player for us," Cleverley told BBC Radio Devon. "His calmness on the ball, his decision making, his positional play is really of a high level. "We have a fairly good clean sheet percentage rate when Pleggy's in the team, which is always a plus as a defender. "But he also brings the leadership, the experience, the calmness whether times are good or bad and with that is a consistency of performance." The former Arsenal academy player, who featured in one EFL Cup match for the reigning Premier League champions, moved to Home Park in the summer of 2023 ahead of their return to the Championship. He played a key part in the side that secured survival on the final day of the season, starting 22 league games and making a further 10 substitute appearances. He featured in half of Argyle's matches the following season as they were relegated before his injury-hit campaign last term. "He's one of those who looks like he's in a rhythm now, and we're getting the benefits of that," added Cleverley. "I've been really pleased with his level of performance last year, very unfortunate with his injury issues. "But I could see in the small number of games I saw him play last year his quality and what he brought to the team, and we're seeing that more consistently now."