Ousmane Diomande
NFO
Center Back
Controlled Center Back
Dec 4, 2003 (22)
Right
6'3"
190 lb
Posts solid defensive numbers
Diomande recorded three tackles (two won), three clearances and one interception in Sunday's 1-0 loss versus Arsenal.
Analysis: Diomande recorded three tackles, winning two, alongside three clearances and one interception across the full 90 minutes in Sunday's 1-0 defeat to Arsenal. He operated in Forest's back three and contributed to an organized defensive performance that kept Arsenal without a shot on target for nearly 80 minutes, limiting the visitors' opportunities despite their possession advantage. Diomande's defensive statistics provided a solid fantasy return, although Forest eventually conceded when Noni Madueke's shot deflected past Matz Sels.
11 clearances in first EPL start
Diomande had one shot (zero on goal) in Saturday's 2-1 win versus Aston Villa.
Analysis: Diomande played the full 90 minutes in Forest's back three for his first EPL start ever, registering one shot, one interception and an impressive 11 clearances as part of a defensive structure that limited Villa's clear chances despite conceding the 74th minute equalizer. He was part of the Forest unit that recovered composure after Alysson's leveler and held firm for Igor Jesus' winner. Diomande is expected to see more playing time until Jair Cunha (hamstring) and Nikola Milenkovic (hamstring) return from injuries.
Held back due to fitness concerns
Diomande did not feature as Nottingham Forest's substitute in Saturday's season opener against Leeds, according to coach Oliver Glasner, per Jak Netting. "Some players had two, three or six weeks of pre-season, and I've got a lot of information from the training sessions and the games. Diomande arrived very late, and he had this issue before, we knew he's not in his best physical shape, and Murillo also isn't. So I didn't want to start them both because we can't afford to potentially substitute them later due to physical reasons."
Analysis: Diomande's limited preseason preparation left manager Oliver Glasner unwilling to risk throwing him into action so soon, especially with Tuesday's Carabao Cup second round rematch against Leeds coming just days later offering a more natural entry point. He's expected to be ready soon for a starting role in central defense, though Glasner will need to balance bringing him up to speed against the demands of the schedule with a trip to Liverpool also looming the following weekend.
Plays first half in Forest debut
Diomande played the first half of Wednesday's 2-1 friendly win over Leverkusen for his first minutes as a Forest player, according to the club.
Analysis: Diomande made 132 appearances across all competitions during three seasons at Sporting, helping the club win back to back league titles and reach the Champions League quarterfinals last season, where he played every minute of both legs in the defeat to Arsenal. His debut comes shortly after his summer move to Forest, and this first taste of action gives an early look at his integration into the squad as he begins the next chapter of his career.
Signs four year deal with Forest
Diomande has signed a four year contract with Nottingham Forest, with an option for a further year, joining from Sporting CP, according to the club. Chief football officer George Syrianos said "He has fantastic experience for a defender of his age. He is a powerful, commanding defender with a winning mentality."
Analysis: Diomande made 132 appearances across all competitions during three seasons at Sporting, helping the club win back to back league titles and reach the Champions League quarterfinals last season, where he played every minute of both legs in the defeat to Arsenal. The 22 year old Ivory Coast international, who won the 2024 AFCON title and earned 15 caps for his country, featured at this summer's World Cup, and now brings that experience to Forest's defense as he begins the next chapter of his career.
Clean sheet Thursday
Diomande generated three clearances and one interception in Thursday's 2-0 win versus Curacao.
Analysis: Diomande would come into the starting XI for the first time this tournament on Thursday, with the defender playing the full 90 before likely dropping back to the bench for the knockout stages. He would complete 72 passes but did little more in the clean sheet, earning one interception and three clearances in the defense.
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