Tyrhys Dolan burst onto the LaLiga scene this season with a decisive strike in Espanyol's 3-0 triumph over Levante, instantly signalling that something fundamental has shifted in his game. The English forward, who arrived from Championship side Blackburn Rovers just a year earlier, told Sky Sports, "I am not the person or player I was a year ago." His confidence is palpable, and the early signs suggest that his evolution could have a lasting impact on Espanyol's fortunes. Last season marked Dolan's first foray into Spanish football, and while it featured memorable moments—such as appearances against giants Real Madrid and Barcelona—it was also a period of adjustment. He spent most of that campaign hugging the right flank, essentially operating as a wide provider.
"Pretty much on the touchline, hanging wide," he recalled, noting that his primary responsibility was to deliver crosses. The statistics from that season back up his own assessment: his assist tally eclipsed his goal count, underscoring his role as a creator rather than a finisher.
The experience on the right side, however, proved to be a valuable learning curve. It broadened his skill set and gave him a clearer picture of where his strengths lie. This summer, Dolby made a strategic switch back to the left wing, a move that has already borne fruit. "On the left I can cut inside and get more shots off.
I become more dangerous as a left winger," he explained. The positional change also forces defenders into a new dilemma: should they stay wide and try to block a cross, or step inside to block a shot? This added unpredictability has already produced a goal and opens up further avenues for him to influence matches. At 24, Dolan's enthusiasm for the challenges ahead is infectious.
Espanyol's previous campaign started brightly but quickly descended into a struggle, with the team sliding from European‑qualification hopes in winter to a genuine relegation battle by spring. "You'd be lying if you said you didn't feel the energy around the stadium," Dolan said.
"We just don't want a repeat of that." The recent victory over Levante, therefore, feels like a turning point, a signal that the club's momentum is shifting back in the right direction. Off the pitch, the summer break offered Dolan a much‑needed mental reset. Living alone in Barcelona, he used the time to reconnect with family and friends, a pause he describes as essential for maintaining mental health during a season that constantly swings between highs and lows. "Mentally, you need that switch‑off.
Within the season you are constantly preparing, dealing with emotions, good or bad," he reflected. He even quoted the old adage, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder," noting that the pre‑season training camp in England was a morale boost, especially when his parents attended every match. Nonetheless, Dolan admits he missed the unique atmosphere of Barcelona.
"Being in Barcelona means being in work mode. As an athlete you love that environment and you start missing it when you're away for too long," he said, highlighting the dual pull of family ties and professional focus. The Levante game, in Dolan's view, was the perfect springboard.
"It was the perfect way to start, a reward for the hard work put in, a confidence boost for the team and for myself," he said, but he is already looking ahead to more demanding tests. Espanyol's upcoming clash with Real Madrid will be the first LaLiga meeting of the season for the 36‑time Spanish champions, and it comes with the added drama of Jose Mourinho returning to the dugout.
Dolan also anticipates facing Kylian Mbappé, whom he described as the best opponent he encountered last season. He described his first encounter with Madrid as a "pinch‑me" moment. Now, with a cooler head and a clearer sense of his own abilities, he is less awestruck and more focused. Whether he is matched up against Trent Alexander‑Arnold or Denzel Dumfries at right‑back, Dolan says the identity of the opponent is irrelevant.
"Anybody. These are the games you want to compete against the best so you can bring your best and see where you are at," he asserted. Dolan acknowledges that his performance in his debut season was respectable, but he believes he is capable of far more.
"I was happy with what I did in my first season, but I know it's nowhere near what I know I can do," he admitted. The upcoming fixtures, especially against world‑renowned clubs, will be the ultimate stage to showcase his growth.
He even hinted at bringing back his signature somersault celebration should he find the net against such high‑profile opposition. In summary, Tyrhys Dolan is not the same player who arrived from Blackburn a year ago.
He has refined his positional sense, increased his goal‑scoring threat, and matured mentally. The combination of a refreshed mindset, a more attacking left‑wing role, and the confidence gained from early successes suggests that he could be a pivotal figure in Espanyol's quest to climb the table and avoid the spectre of relegation.
As the season unfolds, fans will be watching closely to see whether Dolan can consistently deliver the performances that he now believes are within his reach.