Senegal’s Krépin Diatta made his first start for Watford, who beat Charlton 2-0 in the Championship. The win ends a negative run, after the heavy defeat at Cardiff.
Krépin Diatta has made his first start in Watford colours. On 17 October 2026, the Senegal international was named in the starting line-up for the very first time, against Charlton, on matchday 11 of the Championship. The Hornets won 2-0, according to Wiwsport.
The win ends the Hornets’ negative run, after they were thrashed 5-1 by Cardiff on matchday 10. On Tuesday 13 October, Diatta had already made his official Watford debut, coming off the bench against Cardiff.
A contract signed on 1 October
A free agent since leaving AS Monaco on 30 June 2026, Diatta had spent the summer without a club. The situation caused serious concern in Senegal, with appeals reaching the very top of the state, according to Wiwsport and Afrik-Foot. On 1 October, the 27-year-old right wing-back finally signed a one-season contract, with an optional further year, at Vicarage Road.
His past at the Rock speaks for him: five seasons at Monaco, 143 matches, 8 goals and 9 assists. Previously at Club Brugge before Monaco, he was also crowned African champion with Senegal at the 2025 AFCON, held in Morocco. He had missed the 2021 AFCON through injury, before playing at the 2026 World Cup.
Head coach Alessio Dionisi had nevertheless tempered expectations in early October, warning that Diatta was not yet able to last a full 90 minutes. His start against Charlton is therefore a step in his return to full fitness.
A reaction after Cardiff
The fixture list gave Dionisi the chance to test his player in a demanding context. Four days after the defeat at Cardiff, Watford needed a reaction to stop the negative momentum setting in. The 2-0 win meets that challenge, but the scorers and Diatta’s individual performance are not known at this stage.
For the Senegalese, this first start comes after several months without a club. He now plays in the Championship, in a wing-back or right-winger role.
Matchday 12 in midweek
Watford will have no time to savour it: matchday 12 of the Championship will be played in midweek.