Julio Pleguezuelo has started every League One match this season for Plymouth Argyle, a run of consistency that manager Tom Cleverley says is vital for the team. The Spanish defender, who missed much of last term through injury, helped secure a 3-0 win over Barnsley last weekend as Plymouth moved to seventh place with 10 points from six games.
Cleverley described the 29-year-old as a key figure in his plans. "Technically he's a huge player for us," the manager said. "His calmness on the ball, his decision making, his positional play is really of a high level." Pleguezuelo's influence was clear in the recent victory, where he provided the assist for Oliver Irow's opening goal inside the first minute.
Injury struggles behind him
Last season was a difficult one for the centre-back. He underwent knee surgery and battled calf problems, limiting him to just 10 appearances across all competitions. That followed a 2023-24 campaign where he started 22 league games and came off the bench 10 times, helping the club secure Championship survival on the final day. Cleverley acknowledged he saw Pleguezuelo's quality even in that limited action last year and is pleased to now have him available regularly.
"When I came in last season, he was just coming back from injury," Cleverley explained. "He played a few games and then got another injury, so we never really saw the best of him."
The manager also highlighted the defender's leadership and experience as assets for a squad looking to climb the table. With Pleguezuelo in the side, Cleverley noted the team maintains a strong record of clean sheets. His return adds stability to a defence that has conceded eight goals so far this season while scoring 10.
"He's a leader," Cleverley added. "He's got experience of playing at a higher level, and he brings that calmness to the back line."
Plymouth's recent form shows three wins and two losses from their last five outings, a sequence that includes victories over Doncaster and Bradford. They now prepare for a trip to face 10th-placed Blackpool this Saturday. Fans can check the full schedule on the club's fixtures page and see how the team is shaping up in the standings. The next match offers a chance to close the three-point gap to league leaders Sheffield Wednesday.
