Tyrhys Dolan has announced a clear shift in his own self‑assessment after a spectacular opening to the LaLiga campaign, punctuated by a goal in Espanyol's 3‑0 triumph over Levante. The English forward appeared sharper than ever, and he did not shy away from stating that he feels fundamentally different from the player he was just twelve months ago.
In a candid interview with Sky Sports, Dolan explained, "I am not the person or player I was a year ago," underscoring a newfound confidence that has already begun to translate into tangible results on the pitch. Dolan's inaugural season in Spain followed a move from Championship side Blackburn Rovers, and it was a learning curve that offered both highs and lows.
He experienced the thrill of facing giants such as Real Madrid and Barcelona, moments that any young player would cherish. Yet, the Englishman believes his journey is only at its beginning. "I know the league now.
I know myself a lot more. I know what I can do," he told the broadcaster, hinting at a deeper understanding of the tactical demands of Spanish football and his own capabilities within that framework.
A key factor behind his optimism lies in the positional shift he underwent last season. Throughout most of his first campaign with Espanyol, Dolan operated on the right flank, essentially hugging the touchline and serving primarily as a provider. "Pretty much on the touchline.
Hanging wide," he recalled, noting that his primary responsibility was to deliver crosses into the box. The statistical output from that role reflected his duties: assists outnumbered goals, a clear sign that he was more of a creator than a finisher during that period. The experience, however, broadened his skill set and added a new dimension to his game.
This summer, the coaching staff moved him to the left wing, a change that Dolan says has opened up fresh attacking avenues. "For me, it is better because I can cut inside and get more shots off. I can be more dangerous as a left winger," he explained, describing how the altered angle allows him to drift toward the centre, unleash his stronger foot, and pose a direct threat on goal.
He even imagines the dilemma he creates for defenders: "Which way is he going to go? Is he going to take it and put across?
Is he going to have a shot?" That mental chessboard has already yielded a goal, and Dolman believes the new role will continue to produce more. At 24, his enthusiasm for the challenge ahead is infectious.
The previous campaign saw Espanyol start strongly but then endure a dramatic slump, sliding from European‑qualification hopes in the winter to a genuine relegation battle in the spring. Dolan reflects on that turbulent period with a mixture of honesty and resolve. "You'd be lying if you sat there and said you don't feel the energy around the stadium. We just don't want to have a repeat of that," he said, acknowledging the palpable tension that once hung over the club.
The recent victory over Levante, however, suggests a reversal of fortunes. "It was just like, yeah, now we're off and running again," he added, indicating that the team’s morale has been restored.
Off the field, a summer break proved crucial for the young striker’s mental health. Spending time with family and friends in England provided a much‑needed reset after a demanding season living alone in Barcelona. "Mentally, you need that switch off.
Within the season, you are constantly preparing, dealing with emotions, good or bad," Dolan explained, emphasizing the importance of balance for professional athletes. He poetically noted, "Absence, like they say, does make the heart grow fonder," a sentiment reinforced by the fact that Espanyol’s pre‑season training camp took place in England, allowing his parents to attend every match.
Yet, he also confessed a longing for the Catalan capital: "Being in Barcelona means being in work mode and as an athlete you love it in that environment. You start missing it when you are away from it for too long." The goal against Levante served as a perfect springboard, offering a confidence boost not only for Dolan but also for his teammates.
"It was the perfect way to start. It is that reward for the hard work put in, a confidence boost for the team and obviously for myself too," he said, highlighting the psychological edge that early success can provide. Nevertheless, he is aware that tougher tests loom on the horizon.
One of those tests arrives this Saturday when Espanyol host Real Madrid, marking the first LaLiga encounter of the season for the 36‑time Spanish champions. The fixture also brings back the charismatic Jose Mourinho to the sidelines, and the prospect of facing Kylian Mbappé—whom Dolan described as the best player he faced last season—adds extra allure. He recalled his first meeting with Madrid as a "pinch‑me" moment, but now approaches the clash with a cooler head.
Whether he will be matched against Trent Alexander‑Arnold or Denzel Dumfries at right‑back does not faze him. "Anybody. These are the games that you want to compete against the best so that you can bring your best and see where you are at," he asserted, underscoring his desire to test himself against elite opposition. Dolan admits that while he was satisfied with his contributions during his debut season, he knows his potential is far greater.
"I was happy with what I did in my first season. But I know it is nowhere near what I know that I can do," he confessed, signalling a hunger for continuous improvement. The upcoming showdown with Madrid offers a stage to showcase his evolution, perhaps even reviving his trademark somersault celebration in front of the world’s most famous club.
"I felt like I could give more for this team, for the club, for the supporters," he concluded, encapsulating his ambition to become a pivotal figure for Espanyol. In summary, Tyrhys Dolan is no longer the wide‑right provider he once was; he has transformed into a versatile, goal‑threatening left winger with a broader skill set and a renewed mindset. His early impact, combined with a refreshed personal life and a clear tactical role, sets the scene for an exciting season where he hopes to prove that he is indeed a different player now.