Experienced defender back to strengthen Pilgrims' promotion bid
Plymouth Argyle have received a timely lift with the return to full fitness of centre-back Julio Pleguezuelo, manager Tom Cleverley has said. The Spanish defender, who struggled with a knee operation and calf trouble last season, has been a near ever-present at the start of the campaign and impressed in the 3-0 victory at Home Park on Saturday.
Cleverley told BBC Radio Devon that Pleguezuelo's return has delivered more than just defensive steel: the 29-year-old brings composure on the ball and decision-making that helps the whole team. The manager highlighted how the Spaniard's presence correlates with a higher clean-sheet rate for the side.
"Technically he's a huge player for us. His calmness on the ball, his decision making, his positional play is really of a high level," Cleverley said. "We have a fairly good clean sheet percentage rate when Pleggy's in the team... He also brings the leadership, the experience, the calmness whether times are good or bad."
From injury setbacks to a consistent run
Pleguezuelo's time at Home Park has been interrupted by injury. After arriving in the summer of 2023, he played an important role during Argyle's battle for Championship survival, making numerous starts and substitute appearances. The following season he featured in about half of the matches as Argyle were relegated, before last season's knee and calf problems limited him to just 10 appearances.
Now available for selection in every League One fixture so far this season, Pleguezuelo has been singled out for the technical qualities he offers at the back — traits that have been especially valuable as Plymouth aim to consolidate their strong start and press for a top-six finish.
- Age: 29
- Position: Central defender
- Role since return: Featured in every League One match this season
Leadership and stability at the heart of defence
For a club that fell short of the play-offs last term and then dropped back into League One, the restoration of experienced heads to the side is important. Cleverley underlined that beyond tackles and interceptions, Pleguezuelo supplies on-field leadership — an asset when matches ebb and flow and young team-mates seek guidance during testing spells.
Supporters at Home Park have seen evidence of that calmness and consistency this season, and his presence is likely to remain crucial as the fixture list intensifies. Cleverley's remarks suggest the manager sees Pleguezuelo as a central figure around whom defensive plans can be built.
| Season | Notable facts |
|---|---|
| 2023-24 | Key part of squad that secured Championship survival on final day |
| 2024-25 | Featured in around half of matches as club were relegated |
| 2025-26 | Missed much of the season through knee surgery and calf problems (10 appearances) |
| 2026-27 | Started season featuring in every League One match so far |
As the Pilgrims travel for league fixtures in the coming weeks, having an experienced central defender able to read the game and keep younger colleagues calm on the pitch will be welcomed by both staff and fans. For a city that rallies around its team, Pleguezuelo's return offers a reassuring sign that Argyle can weather the long grind of a promotion campaign.
Local small businesses and matchday traders at Home Park will also be keeping a close eye on the team's fortunes; consistent results and a stable back four tend to lift attendances and the matchday economy in Plymouth. For now, Cleverley's public praise marks Pleguezuelo as a player whose fitness could be as important off the pitch as on it.
