Plymouth Argyle claim dropped on "excellent" Law McCabe - Middlesbrough fans will like the sound of this | OneFootball

FLW's Plymouth Argyle fan pundit has been discussing Law McCabe's opening few appearances as a Pilgrim after joining on loan from Middlesbrough.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

The Plymouth Argyle penny appears to have dropped for Tom Cleverley and his players after a poor start to their League One season.

After losing four-straight league games to start the 2025/26 campaign, Argyle have now finally got that winning feeling back.

Indeed, a 4-0 routing of Burton Albion last time out made it three wins from their previous four League One matches, with the Pilgrims set to welcome an out-of-form Wigan Athletic to Home Park this weekend.

As such, the positive mood in Devon is rapidly being restored, with Cleverley's side now looking like the promotion-standard force that many third tier followers predicted they would be this term.

"Nailed down" - Claim made on Law McCabe's start to life at Plymouth Argyle after Middlesbrough loan

One Argyle player that has begun to see his role increase in recent weeks is Law McCabe.

The 19-year-old central midfielder signed for Plymouth on loan from Middlesbrough until the end of the season on deadline day, but the Home Park faithful had to wait a couple of games before getting their first look at their new signing, as he was away on international duty with England.

However, since linking up with his new club, McCabe has appeared in all four of the Pilgrims' last four games in all competitions, and played 85 minutes in the aforementioned 4-0 win over Burton Albion last time out.

We asked our Plymouth Argyle fan pundit, Luke Hodge: 'What have you made of Law McCabe's first few games for Plymouth? Can you see why he's an England youth international and highly-rated at Middlesbrough, or are you yet to be impressed by what you've seen?'

Hodge said: "Yes, he's been excellent.

"He's started the last three games, and you can see why he's so highly-rated at Middlesbrough and an England youth international.

"Only 19, he plays above his age. He always wants the ball, looks to pass forward, but very rarely gives the ball away. It's no surprise that we've actually scored 10 goals in our last two games.

"That's not just down to him, but he's been a big part of that. Playing alongside Malachi Boateng in the middle of the park, who is a ball-winner and just gives the ball to the likes of McCabe and Bradley Ibrahim, who can then go and do their stuff.

"It's obviously helped the likes of Lorent Tolaj and Owen Oseni up top getting more of the ball. He's been something we've been missing for the first few games, that's for sure.

"He seems to be growing in confidence with every game. So, long may it continue, and he looks like he's nailed down that central midfield role.

"He's going to be there to stay now, and hopefully, that will continue the good performances and continue Argyle climbing the table, and getting to where we want to be."

Law McCabe looks to be in perfect Plymouth Argyle environment to flourish this season

Having been handed his first opportunities in the Middlesbrough first-team by a former Manchester United central midfielder in Michael Carrick, he now looks set for a season laden with senior minutes by another in the form of Cleverley.

Despite still being teenager, McCabe has consistently drawn praise from both his time on Teesside and now in Devon for the maturity he shows for a player of his age, with him already appearing to have the ability to run games from central midfield at League One level.

With his excellent showings over the course of his first handful of appearances in Argyle colours, McCabe looks to have already cemented his position in the Greens' starting XI.

Alongside Boateng, Plymouth could very well see one of the division's very best, if not the best, central midfield partnership start to form over the course of the campaign, which could mean he breaks Home Park hearts when the time comes for him to return to Teesside.

But before then, the highly-talented teen has a big part to play in Plymouth's push for an immediate return to Championship football, and then, who knows what the future may have for him?

His parent club Middlesbrough are flying high at the top of the Championship, and look to have their best chance at winning Premier League promotion in many years under Rob Edwards.

If that was to happen, then the Smoggies may well feel that McCabe spending another year out on loan wouldn't be a bad thing whatsoever, and should the Pilgrims be toasting a promotion themselves come May, then it could be another perfect fit to send him back to Home Park for next term too.