Tyrhys Dolan Ready to Shine Against Barcelona

As the Barcelona derby approaches, Espanyol's English winger Tyrhys Dolan is eager to make an impact. In an interview with Sky Sports, Dolan shared his thoughts on the rivalry and his experiences so far in LaLiga. He recalled his assist in the win against Athletic Club in Bilbao, describing the stadium as having the best atmosphere he's played in. Dolan also spoke about his goal against Celta Vigo and facing Real Madrid in the Bernabeu, which he considered a 'pinch-myself moment.' He identified Alejandro Balde as the toughest opponent he's faced, in the home fixture against Barcelona, an experience he described as 'something you dream about.' Dolan has impressed in his debut season, quickly winning over the fans with his direct play and speed. He expressed his love for the connection with the fans, stating that it motivates him to perform better. The move to Espanyol has been everything Dolan hoped for and more, despite being a step up from his previous experience in the Championship. He admitted to initially struggling to adapt but eventually found his footing, realizing he deserved to be in LaLiga. Dolan has had to adjust his game, playing more on the touchline and focusing on delivering crosses rather than taking shots. Off the pitch, he has found the adjustment to life in Barcelona to be significant but is enjoying the experience, learning Spanish, and appreciating the support of his family and friends. Dolan's journey has not been without challenges, including being released by Manchester City as a youngster and facing tough times in his early career. He wears the number 17 shirt to honor his friend Jeremy Wisten, who passed away in 2020. Dolan has become an ambassador for the charity Go Again, which supports young footballers dealing with the emotional impact of being released from academies. He is determined to finish the season well with Espanyol, who are still in contention for a European place, and is looking forward to the match against Barcelona, where a win could change everything for the team.