scouting Report on Ousmane Diomande, the next generation of defensive leaders

coming of age: From obscurity to the heart of Lisbon

diomande’s potential was proven in just one game. in 2022, while playing for then second-tier Mafra against FC Porto, Diomande put in a dominant performance despite a defeat that caught the eye of Sporting scouts. His talent, which coach Hubeng Amorim described as “instantly captivating,” led him straight to Lisbon. since joining Sporting, he has quickly become an integral part of the team’s core, even taking over the leadership role from veteran Sebastian Coates, who has now left the club.

playing style: a modern center back with a knack for the ball

ability to get forward: more than just a defender, an attacking initiator

diomande’s best attribute is his confidence with the ball and his ability to move forward. He is very good at ‘progressive carries’, where he drives the ball directly from the defensive line into the opposition’s half, which opens up new routes in the team’s buildup.

passing ability: reliable and sharp

his passing ability is backed up by the numbers. in the 2024-25 season, he had a phenomenal passing success rate, helping the team maintain a steady share of possession.

• open play pass success rate: 93.6% (top of the league)
• long pass success rate (open play): 62.2% (6th among players with 100+ attempts)

he orchestrates the game with short, steady passes, but when needed, he opens up the offense with a precise long pass. this shows that he is more than just a defender, but can also play the role of a playmaker out wide.

play Style: Physical defender who overwhelms opponents

aggressive and intelligent: anticipates and takes away possession

diomande is very active in defense, using his agility and speed to quickly get to the opposing attacker and deny him space, and his strong physicality to dominate the physicality of the game. he is an intelligent defender who goes beyond simply bumping into opponents, forcing them to take unsteady touches to win the ball.

he rarely allows breakthroughs in one-on-one situations; in 2024-25, he allowed just 11.1% of breakthroughs in one-on-one defensive situations, the second-lowest rate in the league.

the Premier League challenge: Possibilities and challenges

of course, the environment in the Portuguese league and the EPL is different. moving to a team with less possession than Sporting, he will face more defensive situations and new challenges. However, his build-up ability, man-to-man defense, and already proven rapid development prove that he is a ‘world-class talent’ who can succeed in any league. wherever Ousmane Diomande ends up next, his journey has only just begun.