Diabate has already put Asia on notice after netting three times in two 2020 AFC Champions League qualifying matches and his little and large partnership with diminutive Iran starlet Mehdi Ghayedi could be one of the most effective in this year's tournament.
The 6'4" Mali international spent much of his career in France with Bordeaux but also took in spells in Turkey and Italy before moving to Tehran giants Esteghlal in July.
Currently among the top scorers in the Iran Pro League, Diabate is sure to be a handful for any defence at ACL 2020.
Al Hilal's Baftembi Gomis earned himself the top scorer award in 2019 with 11 goals. Gomis returns but alongside him below are a selection of leading candidates who could take the mantle from the Frenchman in 2020.
Baghdad Bounedjah (Al Sadd), Teruhito Nakagawa (Yokohama F. Marinos), Adam Taggart (Suwon Samsung Bluewings), Kodjo Laba (Al Ain), Talisca (Guangzhou Evergrande), Omar Al Soma (Al Ahli Saudi), Adam Le Fondre (Sydney FC) and Dragan Ceran (Pakhtakor) are the other candidates for the ACL 2020 top scorer.