Plymouth Argyle must strike fresh deal to sign 'exceptional footballer' - It's a no-brainer for Tom Cleverley | OneFootball

Joe Ralls provides experience and leadership - it's exactly what the young Plymouth side needs

Joe Ralls' post-Cardiff City career began on Saturday, as he came on as a substitute to help Plymouth Argyle preserve their 1-0 win over Port Vale.

The result helped the Pilgrims climb off the foot of the League One table, and despite not stuffing the stat sheet in the 20 minutes he was afforded in the second half, Ralls' leadership and ability were clearly on show.

Plymouth manager Tom Cleverley labelled the 32-year-old "an exceptional footballer, who will strengthen our midfield options and add versatility across a number of positions," when he signed on a short-term contract running until January.

Not only does he strengthen the midfield, but he also provides one of the younger groups in the division with some much-needed direction and someone to learn off of.

Ralls may only be at Plymouth for a handful of games before his contract runs out, but if Argyle's results improve with him in the side, all roads will point to him extending that contract until the end of the season at least.

Joe Ralls has provided a big Plymouth Argyle midfield boost in the wake of Bradley Ibrahim's injury

Ralls was brought in to provide cover and competition, initially, but may find himself playing more than perhaps expected, given the injury sustained to one of Cleverley's key men this season.

The 32-year-old was already through the door when Bradley Ibrahim was confirmed to be out for "months, not weeks" by Tom Cleverley. So, his role was already set, but it was arguably emphasised once this unwanted news came in.

Ralls was in talks with Cardiff over a new contract in the summer, but was ultimately released, bringing an end to his 14-year stay with the Bluebirds.

Over that time, he made 384 appearances for the club, 28 of which came in the Premier League, and the last few years came as club captain.

His Plymouth debut marked the first time he's ever dropped below the top two tiers in England, and once he gets back up to speed, which you feel won't be long, he'll show his class in League One with ease.

An injury sustained by Ibrahim is a big blow, as many feel he has the potential to kick on and establish himself as one of League One's premier midfielders after excelling at Crawley Town last season. However, having Ralls there to take his place once he hits full fitness isn't a bad replacement at all.

Joe Ralls' experience could be key to Plymouth Argyle's hopeful rise up the League One table

Upon his arrival at Plymouth, Ralls joined Joe Edwards and Jamie Paterson as the only players over the age of 30 in the playing squad.

Paterson hasn't been used much since his arrival in the summer, and captain Edwards has spent more time in the treatment room than on the field. Therefore, Argyle's young squad has, at times, looked a little lost due to a lack of true on-field leadership.

Only Peterborough United and Cardiff can say they've boasted a squad with a lower average age in League One this season, and whilst something can be said for trusting a young, exciting squad to go out and thrive, sometimes having experienced heads can trump it, especially if you're in a relegation battle, which Plymouth currently are in.

Ralls' experience playing in the top flight and captaining Cardiff for his final few years at the club, albeit with last season ending in relegation, could prove vital for an Argyle side who are desperate to get back to challenging towards the top end of League One.

And while it may have only been a 20-minute cameo on Saturday, there was enough in his debut to show the signs of leadership and organisation that Plymouth have lacked in large parts of the campaign so far.