Plymouth Argyle manager Tom Cleverley has described defender Julio Pleguezuelo as a "huge player" for the club, with the 29-year-old Spaniard now fully fit and featuring regularly in the third tier this season.

Injury woes behind him

Pleguezuelo endured a torrid time with fitness during the previous campaign, with knee surgery followed by calf problems restricting him to just 10 appearances. His absence was keenly felt at Home Park, and Cleverley admits he had seen enough of the defender's quality in those limited outings to know what the club was missing.

"I've been really pleased with his level of performance last year, very unfortunate with his injury issues," Cleverley told BBC Radio Devon. "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."

This season has been a different story entirely. Pleguezuelo has featured in every League One match so far, including Saturday's commanding 3-0 victory over Barnsley at Home Park, and Cleverley is already pointing to the defensive dividends his presence brings.

What Pleguezuelo offers

"Technically he's a huge player for us," the Plymouth boss said. "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."

Cleverley also highlighted the less quantifiable contributions the centre-back makes, pointing to leadership and composure as qualities that lift the whole squad. "He also brings the leadership, the experience, the calmness whether times are good or bad and with that is a consistency of performance," he added.

According to the manager, the defender now looks settled into his rhythm: "He's one of those who looks like he's in a rhythm now, and we're getting the benefits of that."

Background and history at the club

Pleguezuelo, who is the first Spanish player to represent Plymouth Argyle, joined Home Park in the summer of 2023 as a product of the Arsenal academy. He played a significant role in the side that secured survival at the end of that first season, starting 22 league matches and making a further 10 substitute appearances. The following campaign saw him contribute to roughly half of Argyle's fixtures, although the club were relegated before his injury-affected term last season curtailed his involvement further.

Now back in League One, both player and club appear determined to make the most of his rediscovered fitness. His performances have coincided with a settled look to Plymouth's defensive unit, and Cleverley will be hoping that rhythm holds throughout what promises to be a competitive third-tier campaign.

What it means for Plymouth

For a Plymouth side building momentum in League One, having a fit and consistent Pleguezuelo at the back is a considerable asset. The clean sheet against Barnsley underlines the kind of defensive solidity Cleverley is looking to establish, and the manager's comments suggest the Spaniard will remain central to the team's plans as the season progresses.

Whether the Pilgrims can sustain a push towards the top six will depend on key figures like Pleguezuelo staying available. On current evidence, that is cause for quiet optimism at Home Park.

Frequently asked

Who is Julio Pleguezuelo?
Julio Pleguezuelo is a 29-year-old Spanish centre-back who plays for Plymouth Argyle in League One. He is the first Spanish player to represent the club and joined Home Park in the summer of 2023 after coming through the Arsenal academy.
How many games did Pleguezuelo miss last season?
Pleguezuelo played just 10 times last season due to knee surgery and calf problems. He has returned to full fitness this season and has featured in every League One match so far.
What has Tom Cleverley said about Pleguezuelo?
Plymouth manager Tom Cleverley told BBC Radio Devon that Pleguezuelo is a 'huge player' for the club, praising his calmness on the ball, decision making, positional play, leadership and consistency of performance.