Plymouth Argyle’s summer recruitment has taken an intriguing turn with the arrival of Laurent Tolaj, a forward whose 2024/25 campaign at Port Vale showcased a blend of productivity, versatility and relentless work rate.
A closer look at his statistical output gives a clear picture of the type of player the Pilgrims have added to their attacking ranks.
Welcome to Argyle, Lorent Tolaj! 💚
The Swiss striker signs from Port Vale, on a four-year contract.
— Plymouth Argyle FC (@Argyle) August 22, 2025
Tolaj was heavily involved throughout the League Two season, amassing 3,166 minutes across competitions. His headline return of 15 goals and nine assists stands out, contributing directly to 24 goals at an average of one every 132 minutes. For a side not among the division’s most prolific, that sort of end product demonstrates both his efficiency and his importance. His 78 shots, with 41% on target, underline his willingness to test goalkeepers regularly, while an expected goals tally of 10.64 shows that he converted at a rate slightly above expectation, suggesting sharp finishing instincts.
What is perhaps even more telling is his all-around play. Tolaj averaged over 26 passes per game, completing nearly 76% overall and maintaining a 55% success rate in longer distribution. That points to a forward comfortable linking with midfield runners and capable of dropping deep to connect play, a trait Argyle will value in a system that often demands fluid interchanges. His nine assists confirm that his contribution extends far beyond simply leading the line.
We can confirm that Lorent Tolaj has joined Plymouth Argyle for a significant undisclosed fee, after the striker’s release clause was met.
Lorent leaves with the best wishes of everyone at Port Vale and will always have a home here at Vale Park. #PVFC | #PVFC150
— Port Vale Football Club (@OfficialPVFC) August 22, 2025
Physically, Tolaj is combative. He contested an extraordinary 843 duels across the league campaign, winning 36.5% overall and 34.6% in the air. Those are not elite percentages, but they demonstrate his relentless willingness to engage defenders and occupy backlines. That presence allows others around him to profit, and his sheer volume of involvement makes him difficult to ignore. In several matches, he exceeded 25 duels in a single outing, a measure of just how central he was to Port Vale’s attacking and defensive phases.
Off the ball, Tolaj also made telling contributions. He recorded 125 recoveries in the opposition half, evidence of a pressing striker who does not simply conserve energy but actively sets the tone defensively. Add to that 48 interceptions across the season, and you begin to see the profile of a forward who is willing to hunt, harry and create turnovers high up the pitch—exactly the sort of aggression Argyle supporters demand from their front line.
Tolaj is ours. pic.twitter.com/CgKqTVLADq
— Plymouth Argyle FC (@Argyle) August 22, 2025
Individual matches add colour to the numbers. A brace and an assist in the 5–0 win over Bromley highlighted his ruthlessness, while decisive strikes against Bradford City, Walsall and Swindon Town showcased a knack for producing in tight contests. Even in games where he did not score, his ball retention, pressing and duel involvement meant he remained influential.
For Plymouth Argyle, then, Tolaj represents more than just a goalscorer. He is a selfless runner, a link-man, and a pressing trigger, while still carrying the capacity to hit double figures in goals. His mixture of end product, versatility—he operated across centre-forward and wide attacking roles—and relentless energy makes him a smart addition for a side aiming to adapt to the challenges of the Championship.
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