--- source: thedugout.football generated: 2026-08-24T02:41:25.440Z last_updated: 2026-08-21T12:28:50+00:00 data_provider: API-Football canonical: https://thedugout.football/clubs/cardiff-city/news/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cucGx5bW91dGhoZXJhbGQuY28udWsvc3BvcnQvZm9vdGJhbGwvbWFsYWNoaS1ib2F0ZW5nLW1hbmFnZXJzLWZhaXRoLWV2ZXItMTExMjAyMjU --- # Malachi Boateng on manager's faith, ever-present status and Argyle team spirit - **Source:** - **Published:** 21 Aug - **Club:** Cardiff City - **Original URL:** https://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/sport/football/malachi-boateng-managers-faith-ever-11120225 The consistency of the 24-year-old midfielder, both in terms of his performances and also his availability, has made him one of the key members of Tom Cleverley's squad. It also led to Boateng being his team-mates' choice as the Argyle Players' Player of the Year in 2025/26, when he was a league ever present, and played 54 matches in total. Read More: Tom Cleverley's 'no panic' message as Argyle looking to bounce back Read More: Brendan Wiredu first words after joining Salford from Argyle The last time he did not start a league game for the Pilgrims was on the final day of the 2024/25 Championship campaign, when he was a substitute in a 2-1 defeat by Leeds United at Home Park. Boateng said about his excellent fitness record: "I feel like it's the faith the manager has put in me, trusting me to recover right and do things right away from football as well. "I think for me it's just more so knowing my body, knowing what works for me. I feel like the people around have trusted me with that. It helped me last season and hopefully it can help me this season as well. "Ever since I have stepped into professional football I have been someone that's quite robust, I feel like that's part of my attributes that are quite good. I just try and focus on that as well. "As players I think that's something you want to do, constantly be available for every game, constantly want to be playing football and as much games as you can. "I was happy with that, just trying to help the team. Obviously it wasn't the start we wanted to have last year but I feel like we came into it and it was positive towards the end of it from the new year." Given the high turnover of players since then, only three members of the current Argyle squad have played more times for the club than him - Joe Edwards (282), Matty Sorinola (90) and Julio Pleguezuelo (76). Boateng said: "I'm one of the longer serving ones now, which is kind of funny to say. I feel comfortable here, I feel settled here. "The next challenge is trying to get promotion, trying to push for play-offs, but I'm happy playing here. The boys are good as well, it'sd a good group, the Gaffer (Tom Cleverley) is good, the staff around as well." On the key to the team spirit inside the Home Park changing room, Boateng said: "I feel like it's welcoming everyone that comes through that door, knowing that everyone is here for a reason. Everyone is here to help and push each other. "It's a group that aren't satisfied with just being there. It's a group that wants to push and try and achieve things. Myself included, I'm trying to get that more in my game, trying to speak and really encourage the boys. I feel like that's helping us a lot." Argyle will be looking to bounce back from their 3-1 League One season-opening defeat at home to Stockport County last weekend when they take on Wycombe Wanderers at Adams Park on Saturday. Boateng said: "It wasn't the start we expected. Any game you want to win but to try and get off the mark with three points is important. "Ultimately, we just fell a little bit short, Stockport being a good side as well, but the thing about football is there is another opportunity to put it right, which comes on Saturday. "We played Wycombe last season a few times and we know what they are about. A good side as well. We know it will be a test but we are ready for it." You can read more of our Argyle stories from Plymouth Live by clicking HERE PlymouthLive has launched a Plymouth Argyle transfer news and top stories group on WhatsApp and we want you to join us. Once you sign up for our updates, we'll send all the latest straight to your phone. To join our community, you need to already have WhatsApp. All you need to do is click this link and select 'Join Community'. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the PlymouthLive team. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'Exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Click here to join our WhatsApp community.