Who will shine this seasn

Who would you put on this list


4 Plymouth Argyle players that could stand out this season

It has been a busy summer in the West Country as John Sheridan has recruited nine new players for the start of the new season, with talk of even further business before Saturday’s opener against Cambridge. The performances during pre-season have been encouraging and Argyle fans will be hopeful for the season ahead with what looks to be a much stronger squad.

For the first time in a long while the Pilgrims seem to have a squad capable of pushing for promotion with all areas of the field being strengthened. Here we look at four stand out players who could be the key to promotion this season

Nathan Thomas

Most Argyle fans would have been heading straight for the search engines when the signing of Nathan Thomas was announced at the end of 2013. His seven appearances for Darlington on loan from Sunderland was his only exposure to first team football beforehand and he had hardly set the world alight. For the last five months of last season Thomas was gaining fitness and proving himself to be hard to handle for many a defence. Now, with a full pre-season under his belt he could be the player to watch this season; at 19 he seems to have a bright future ahead of him, and seems to have the confidence that will take him far. Thomas has the flare and skill that Argyle fans have been crying out for for a while now, and he has pace to burn.

The ex-Newcastle youth player has featured prominently in the Pilgrims’ pre-season campaign, netting against both Tavistock and Weymouth, and will be looking to take this goal scoring form into League 2 this year. John Sheridan has tinkered with his formation in his time at Home Park but a 4-2-3-1 would play right into Thomas’ hands as he can play in any position in the attacking three; either skipping past defenders to the byline or cutting in with his wicked left foot. Will be most influential when the Pilgrims are up against it and playing on the counter, especially away from home. Thomas’ raw talent should see him have a great season in League 2, whether he is setting them up or scoring himself he is a real threat going forward.

Peter Hartley

After being released by Stevenage at the end of last season, Hartley wasted no time in moving to pastures new as he made the move South to Home Park. The big defender has experience playing in higher leagues and that has been clear to see in pre-season, as he looks very comfortable on the ball and has the vision of a midfielder as he brings the ball out from the back. At 26, he should be coming into the prime of his career, making his signing all the more valuable for the season ahead.

The ex-Hartlepool man is a born leader, and with 21 year old captain Curtis Nelson partnering him in defence the back line should be well organised. So often last year the Pilgrims’ defence was questionable but with the presence of Hartley opposing attackers will have a challenge on their hands. With over 200 league appearances to his name there wont be too many more experienced players in Argyle’s starting line up this season, and he will need to make his seniority count in an otherwise fairly youthful defensive line.

am in the division two seasons ago, Jason Banton returned permanently in January. Everyone at Home Park knows what the Liverpool youngster is capable of and when he is on form he is impossible to handle. The exciting attacking star would be used in the fluid front three alongside Lewis Alessandra and Nathan Thomas where the three can easily interchange and play everywhere along the front. Banton can operate well on either flank with his trickery and pace or ‘in the hole’, where his nifty footwork can create an opening seemingly from nothing.

Jason Banton

Banton started last season on loan at MK Dons, scoring twice in eleven appearances, before falling out of favour at Stadium:MK. He then made the return back to Devon where John Sheridan is a known admirer of the man’s talent. Another young talent at the club with little over 30 first team appearances made, this will be his first full season in any first team. Argyle fans as well as Banton himself will be hoping for a prolific season ahead, and the mercurial star will be buoyed by a great pre-season. In many games, Banton has been the stand out performer with his superb ball control, and if he can refind that scoring touch early on this season there could be no stopping him.

Reuben Reid

There could be no list on Argyle players without mentioning the main man, Reuben Reid. The striker made his move from Yeovil permanent in the summer after scoring a hat full last season to be League 2′s second highest goal scorer. Reuben seems to have found somewhere where he is happy, after already playing for 12 clubs by the age of 26, his return to the team where he made his debut eight years ago has revitalised him. He has returned from the summer looking fitter than ever, which will help his claim for the division’s golden boot this time around. Reid got off to a slow start to the season last time around, but if he continues in the same rich vein of form he was in towards the end of last season 20 goals could easily be within reach again this year.

It is not just his goal scoring that has improved, his effectiveness as a target man is also key. His ability to hold the ball up and involve other players was part of the reason the Pilgrims came so close to the playoffs last time out, as the forward line combined superbly. There is no question he has the strength, and when he gets in the mood he’s got the pace and power to get past any defender, making him more dynamic than many give him credit for. He is definitely a confidence player, so needs to get going early on, and what better time to do it than this Saturday when the Greens travel to Cambridge for the season opener.

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Think you messed up a bit of the copy and paste around Banton.

As for the article, I'm not sure by Thomas' inclusion - I don't think he's ready to be a first teamer. I'd say Cox will have a great impact on the side than he will. But the other 3 I agree, I think they'll do well and if they do we'll be onto a real winner.

Given the lack of other LB options, Purrington will be playing a fair bit as it stands so I expect to see a continuation of his progress from last season (though wouldn't be surprised if he gets snapped up sooner or later)