Chelsea have high hopes surrounding Geovany Quenda, who is set to arrive at the club this summer, although a deal was agreed long ago. Considered one of the best talents of his generation, it will be very interesting to see how he adjusts to the Premier League. The youngster does have plenty of top level experience already though, having played 16 times in the Champions League and made 85 senior appearances in total.
Of course, Sporting CP have a great record of developing talents. Also, they play with three at the back, the same system that Xabi Alonso could bring to Chelsea this summer.
As a result, he could look towards players who are already accustomed to playing with three at the back. The Blues do need to strengthen their defence and it looks like a Sporting CP centre-back is now on Chelsea’s radar.
According to CaughtOffside, Ousmane Diomande is being targeted by Chelsea. It is said that the Ivory Coast international would suit a possession-based system. He has the required strength, athleticism and comfort on the ball.
Chelsea eyeing Sporting centre-back this summer
Obviously, this is not the first time that Diomande has been linked with a top club. Sporting CP have done well to keep him this long. But this summer might be when he finally makes a move away from Portugal.
Whether Chelsea go with three at the back or a traditional four-man backline, someone like Diomande would not have much of a problem slotting in right next to Levi Colwill. But would he be able to make the adjustment to Premier League football?
We have seen plenty of players come in from Portugal and shine in the Premier League. But then, there have also been those who have not been able to keep up with the pace and physicality of the English top flight. It depends on the individual.
Diomande has had an injury-riddled season though. He started only 15 of Sporting CP’s league games over the course of the campaign. So, that should be a worrying sign if you are Chelsea.
Premier League-proven centre-backs could be a better fit
It is worth mentioning that there are a lot of Premier League-proven centre-backs who Chelsea have been linked with. Jan Paul van Hecke of Brighton and Maxence Lacroix of Crystal Palace are two names that come to mind immediately.
There would be a risk with Diomande when it comes to adjusting to the Premier League. That won’t be the case with Van Hecje or Lacroix or even both, who knows.
Ultimately, it is important that they end up strengthening the backline. One would hope that Alonso will have the right talent on his radar. Whether that be Diomande, Van Hecke, Lacroix or somebody else altogether, it does not matter.
Sourav Mahanty
Sourav Mahanty has covered teams like Chelsea, Celtic, Real Madrid, Manchester United, PSG and more over a career that has now lasted a decade. His work has been featured on Sports Illustrated, Athlon Sports, SB Nation, FanSided, The Sportster and aggregated through Bleacher Report and NewsNow. Outside of football, he is also interested in basketball, cricket and professional wrestling.
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