Cleverley lauds ‘top-class’ Tolaj after Argyle win.
Plymouth Argyle manager Tom Cleverley believes new striker Lorent Tolaj’s Vertu Trophy goals will be the club’s “first of many”.
Tolaj scored twice in Argyle’s 2-0 home win over Cheltenham Town on Tuesday, his fourth game after joining from League One team Port Vale for a “significant undisclosed fee”.
“It was only a matter of time,” Cleverley told BBC Radio Devon of the former Switzerland youth international, who scored once in Vale’s opening four games and had 14 goals and eight assists in 37 League Two appearances last season.
“I can see on the training pitch that he’s an excellent finisher. He has excellent movement and is a versatile player. “One thing is certain: He will score goals for this football club.
He has a hammer of a left foot and can finish with his right. “It’s the first of many but it’s always nice to get off the mark for a striker.”
Ross ‘looked older than his years’ – Cleverley
Cleverley also lauded newcomers Mathias Ross and Joe Hatch for their contributions in the win.
Ross, an ex-Denmark Under-21 centre-back who signed a three-year contract on August 21, was starting for the first time since November 2024, when he played in the Czech top tier for Sparta Prague while on loan from Galatasaray.
The 24-year-old assisted Plymouth in keeping only their second clean sheet in nine matches across all competitions under new manager Cleverley.
“He was super-assured,” Cleverley remarked. “He appeared older than his years in the way he spoke and organised.
“He dominated aerially and didn’t give the ball up. Mathias was off to a fantastic start after not having participated in the club’s preseason.
“I’m sure there will be stronger challenges, with all respect to Cheltenham, but he couldn’t have done any better.” Meanwhile, Hatch, 18, made his third cup start of the season as an attacker after earning his first senior deal in June.
“Hatchy’s seemed at home ever since he’s joined the first team,” says Cleverley. “He was unafraid and extremely effective.
He’s simply missing the goal. He gets himself into positions. “He’s not as natural a finisher as Tolaj, so it’ll need some practice, but he’s still young.
“He could not have had a better start in the first team. I’ve been quite satisfied with him and his attitude.
The fourth-bottom Pilgrims, who have one win and five defeats in League One this season, will host eighth-placed Stockport County on Saturday (15:00 BST).
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