Tyrhys Dolan burst onto the LaLiga scene this campaign with a striking performance, netting a goal in Espanyol’s emphatic 3-0 victory over Levante. The English forward appeared sharper than ever, a clear sign that something fundamental has shifted in his game.

"I am not the person or player I was a year ago," Dolan told Sky Sports, underscoring his belief in a personal transformation. His inaugural season in Spanish football, after departing the Championship side Blackburn Rovers, was a mixed bag of highlights and learning moments. He had the privilege of lining up against giants such as Real Madrid and Barcelona, experiences that offered a valuable glimpse of the elite level. Yet Dolan insists his journey is far from finished.

"I know the league now, I understand myself a lot more, and I’m aware of what I’m capable of," he explained. The optimism in his voice is backed by concrete evidence. Last season, Dolby spent the majority of his time on the right flank, essentially hugging the touchline and delivering crosses.

His statistical output reflected that role: he produced more assists than goals, a clear indication that his responsibilities were skewed toward creating chances for teammates rather than finishing them himself. That period proved to be an educational chapter, expanding his skill set and tactical awareness.

This year, however, the manager has repositioned him to the left wing, a move that opens up a fresh set of possibilities. "Playing on the left suits me better because I can cut inside and unleash more shots," Dolan said. "It makes me a more dangerous threat." He even teased the dilemma he presents to defenders: "Do they try to block my crossing angle or give me space to shoot?" The positional switch has already borne fruit, as evidenced by his early-season goal, and he believes it will generate further opportunities.

"There are now more avenues for me to influence the game," he added. At 24, Dolan’s enthusiasm is contagious.

Espanyol’s previous campaign turned into a roller‑coaster, beginning with a promising push for European qualification before spiralling toward a relegation battle as spring arrived. The dramatic downturn left a lingering sense of unfinished business.

"It would be dishonest to say you don’t feel the energy in the stadium after that kind of season," Dolan remarked. "We are determined not to repeat those mistakes." The recent triumph over Levante suggests a shift in momentum, reigniting the buzz among supporters.

"It felt like the club was finally back on track," he observed. The summer break proved restorative for Dolan, offering a chance to reconnect with family and friends—a crucial respite for a young player living away from home in Barcelona. "Mentally, you need that reset. Throughout a season you’re constantly managing emotions, both good and bad," he reflected.

He quoted a familiar saying with a poetic twist: "Absence, as they say, makes the heart grow fonder." This sentiment resonated during Espanyol’s pre‑season stint in England, where his parents attended every match. Yet he also confessed to missing the rhythm of life in Barcelona.

"It was comforting knowing my parents were just an hour away," he said. "But being in Barcelona puts me in work mode; as an athlete, you thrive in that environment and start to miss it when you’re away for too long." The Levante game demonstrated that Dolan is ready to contribute at a high level once more. "It was the perfect way to start the season – a reward for the hard work we’ve put in, a confidence boost for the squad and for me personally," he asserted.

Nonetheless, he acknowledges that tougher challenges loom ahead. Espanyol’s upcoming fixture against Real Madrid on Saturday night will be the first LaLiga encounter of the season for the 36‑time Spanish champions, with José Mourinho back at the helm. Dolan highlighted the presence of Kylian Mbappé, whom he described as the best opponent he faced last season, adding an extra layer of excitement.

He described his first meeting with Madrid as a "pinch‑me moment," but now approaches the clash with a calmer mindset. Whether he faces Trent Alexander‑Arnold or Denzil Dumfries at right‑back, Dolan says the opposition does not intimidate him. "Anyone.

These are the games where you want to test yourself against the best, to see where you stand and to bring out your best performance," he explained. "I was pleased with my first season, but I know I can achieve far more than that." The real test will be whether he can showcase his evolution on the biggest stages, perhaps even celebrating with his trademark somersault after a goal against the world’s most famous club. "I feel I can give more to this team, to the club, and to the supporters," he affirmed. In short, Tyrhys Dolan is poised to prove that he is a markedly different player than the one who arrived from Blackburn a year ago, ready to make a lasting impact for Espanyol.