Watford interested in talented 21-year-old starlet – Are the Hornets making the right move?

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Why Watford should sign Krepin Diatta to bolster their attacking options

According to Talksport (h/t Evening Standard), Watford are interested in signing Club Brugge forward Krepin Diatta in the summer.

Diatta, 21, has come a long way since his youth days with Oslo Football Academy Dakar in his hometown. He moved to Denmark with Sarpsborg, where he scored 3 goals and provided 8 assists in 22 league games. His impressive performances in the Eliteserien earned him a move to Belgium with Club Brugge.

Krepin Diatta has been in sensational for Club Brugge this season (Getty Images)
Krepin Diatta has been in sensational for Club Brugge this season (Getty Images)

Though he struggled for game time with the Belgian champions initially, this season he has become a regular starter and has established a strong partnership with Emmanuel Dennis in the club’s attacking unit. Thus, Watford would be wise to make a move for the Senegal international.

The Hornets have endured a poor campaign, winning just 6 games so far. Their poor start to the campaign saw Quique Sanchez Flores lose his job but despite a change in management, they haven’t recovered from their slump. Their only good time in the season came when they beat Manchester United in December and Liverpool 3-0 a few weeks before the halt of the league.

Watford boss Nigel Pearson has, however, managed to lift them out of the relegation zone as they currently sit 17th in the league but equal in point with relegation-threatened Bournemouth. And if they don’t pick themselves up for the remainder of the season, they could be at risk of falling to the Championship.

Watford boss Nigel Pearson reacts on the touchline (Getty Images)
Watford boss Nigel Pearson reacts on the touchline (Getty Images)

There are several key changes the manager should make regardless of their league status next campaign. The forwards have managed to score just 27 goals so far and most of them have been out of form.

Only Gerard Deulofeu and Ismaila Sarr have shown consistency throughout the campaign and the rest have failed to make major contributions. Thus, the manager should look to add firepower to their attack by bringing in reinforcements and Club Brugge’s Krepin Diatta would be a viable option.

Diatta has been in sensational form for the Belgian outfit, scoring 6 goals and providing 3 assists and has helped his side to the top of the Jupiler Pro League table. A left-winger by trade, he is also capable of operating from the opposite flank and also as an attacking midfielder.

Krepin Diatta (L) in action against Manchester United in Europa League (Getty Images)
Krepin Diatta (L) in action against Manchester United in Europa League (Getty Images)

The Senegalese international would undoubtedly add depth to Watford’s squad given his current run of form, and can be a crucial player for them in the future.

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Verdict

Diatta is just 21 and has a lot of room for development. His inclusion in Pearson’s squad would definitely bring healthy competition to the team. And with a lack of quality options up front, the Hornets making a move for the youngster would be a wise decision.