Carl Fletcher praises playmaker Andres Gurrieri

ARGENTINE playmaker Andres Gurrieri is turning out to be 'a big bonus' for Plymouth Argyle, according to manager Carl Fletcher.

Gurrieri, signed as a free agent in August, has made 15 starts and three substitute appearances this season and scored two goals.

The 23-year-old has played wide on the left on several occasions for the Pilgrims but has been more effective 'in the hole' behind the main striker in a 4-4-1-1 formation.

More evidence of that came in the 2-0 victory over York City at Home Park on Saturday, as Argyle won for the first time in 10 games.

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Gurrieri seems to revel in finding space in a more central position, rather than out on the wing.

Fletcher, though, insisted Gurrieri was not only about flair on the ball but also a willingness to work hard for the team.

He told Herald Sport: "I like him wide as well because he comes in off the line and it's very difficult to defend.

"But I think playing off the striker 'in the hole' is where Andres is dangerous. He seems to have a knack of picking up a lot of loose balls and has got great energy.

"He's still only young, and people probably don't realise that. He will work his socks off and always wants to do well.

"Him in that position is a big bonus for us because I think it's quite difficult for some people to play in it.

"You have got to be defensive minded at times and sacrifice your own game for the team.

"He picks his moments well when he can run in behind (defences) and run short. He's not going to get it right every time, but his willingness to do it is a bonus."

One of Gurrieri's tasks against York was to stop City midfielder Scott Kerr from dictating the play, and he did that successfully.

Fletcher said: "York play through Kerr a lot. Their midfield three have been really good this season from the DVDs we have seen.

"Andres had to push on to the centre-backs to make them kick it long and then he dropped back to pick up the second ball."

Meanwhile, Fletcher has also been pleased with the impact made by on-loan Bournemouth midfielder Mark Molesley.

The 30-year-old has started the last three matches for Argyle and provided a driving force in the centre of midfield.

The Pilgrims' boss has close ties to Bournemouth, not only from his playing days with them but also with their manager Eddie Howe and his former Cherries' team-mate Steve Fletcher.

The latter had a loan spell with Argyle at the end of last season.

So the Argyle manager knew what he was getting when he signed Molesley on loan last month.

Fletcher said: "He (Molesley) has suffered quite a bit with injuries over the last couple of years but has started three games in two weeks.

"He has fitted in well. I have got good connections at Bournemouth and Fletch has always spoken highly of him.

"I think he's enjoying his football and that comes across in the games."