Wayne Rooney heaps praise on rarely-seen Plymouth Argyle man amid game time struggle
Plymouth Argyle boss Wayne Rooney has praised the attitude and character of defender Julio Pleguezuelo, speaking to Plymouth Live.
Plymouth Argyle’s campaign has started off incredibly uneventfully. Only two points separate the Pilgrims from the relegation zone in 21st place.
When Argyle plays Preston North End at Home Park on Saturday afternoon, there have been suggestions for roster changes following two consecutive losses.
Head coach Wayne Rooney of Plymouth Argyle spoke candidly about the team members who haven’t been playing, especially Julio Pleguezuelo, prior to the game this weekend. The manager gave the Spaniard a lot of respect and told Portsmouth Live:
It’s inevitable that some players will not participate in a team with a large number of players, and it’s just a fact of being a football player.
I can state that Pleggy has trained incredibly well and has a first-rate attitude and demeanour. We have a solid partnership right now in Gibbo (Lewis Gibson) and Kornel (Szucs), though I know he’s frustrated and wants to play.
Final season with the Pilgrims?
Pleguezuelo had 32 appearances in the Championship last season, but he hasn’t even made an appearance this season. In six of Plymouth Argyle’s 11 games, he has been on the bench, but he has never been used.
Since Rooney added two new defenders over the summer, he is obviously out of favour.When Szucs and Victor Palsson got to Home Park, Pleguezuelo was merely pushed lower in the hierarchy.
The Spaniard may leave at the end of the season, if not in January, as his contract expires in the summer.
Changes expected?
Plymouth Argyle could make the necessary adjustments against Preston North End this weekend after giving up six goals without a response in their previous two games.
Ibrahim Cissoko, a vital member of the Greens, will be suspended. Since he was sent off against Cardiff City, the goals have stopped coming.
Given the terrible defensive performances as well, it will be interesting to see if Pleguezuelo gets a chance or if Rooney maintains the same backline.
