Chelsea have been linked with a double January deal for Sporting CP pair Viktor Gyokeres and Ousmane Diomande. Here we take a look at five key stats on the latter to appeal to Blues fans.

He's excellent in possession

Despite only turning 20 earlier this month, one of Ousmane Diomande's key strengths is his ability to pick out a teammate with ease. Indeed, only Goncalo Inacio (79.4) is making more passes per game than Diomande (68.8) in Liga Bwin this season to reinforce a statistically calculated WhoScored strength of 'passing'.

He picks out Sporting player well, too, with a 90.6% pass success rate the seventh best in Portugal's top tier. For a Chelsea side that uses the defenders to build attacks from defence, the Blues' rumoured interest in Diomande shouldn't come as a surprise. He's tough to beat

Not only does Diomande shine when he is on the ball, he's crucial for Sporting when it comes to protecting the league leaders' goal. Sporting have conceded the fourth fewest goals (15) in Portugal's top tier this term and the youngster has been crucial to their sound defensive resolve.

Indeed, Diomande has only been dribbled past twice across his 14 league outings this season, returning a tackle success rate of 91.3% in the process. When you consider six of Chelsea's seven WhoScored weaknesses are defensive-minded, he'd help cut those out.

Improvements needed

On paper, Diomande is the ideal forward-thinking centre-back. However, there is an argument to be made that he should be making better use of his standing. At 6'3", Diomande should at least boast a better aerial success rate than 73%.

Diomande's sole statistically calculated WhoScored weakness happens to be 'aerial duels' and for a Chelsea side that has lost the second fewest aerial duels (164) in the Premier League this season, it's an area to the Ivorian's game that requires development.

Ball carrying needs some refinement

Sporting are one of the more dominant sides in Liga Bwin and this is reflected in a possession average of 58.2%, that ranking fourth in the division. As such, that means the centre-backs have more time on the ball to pick a pass, but also bring possession up field.

This is an area to Diomande's game that needs some refinement. He is attempting an average one dribble per 90 but is returning a dribble success rate of just 57.1%. Inexperience will be playing a part in the decision making to try and take on an opponent from centre-back but is an area that needs work.

AFCON to hinder any potential deal?

Chelsea are one of a few sides who won't be overly effected by AFCON or the Asian Games in January. Of their current senior side, only Nicolas Jackson will depart for an international tournament next month, with the summer signing expected to represent Senegal in Cote d'Ivoire.

Should they sign Diomande from Sporting, then the youngster will likely join Jackson for his home tournament. Given the calibre of personnel available to head coach Jean-Louis Gasset, then the Elephants should progress far at AFCON and that may hinder any potential deal for Diomande.