Tyrese Dolan’s journey to becoming a key figure for Espanyol is the stuff football dreams are made of. The 22 year old winger, plucked from Blackburn Rovers for a nominal fee in the summer, has taken to La Liga like a duck to water, helping propel the Periquitos into European contention.
Dolan has been a revelation in Barcelona. Despite Espanyol’s scrap with relegation last term, the England youth international has started 13 of his 16 appearances, bagging three goals and four assists. His electric pace and direct running has been a huge part of why the club sits fifth, just outside the Champions League spots.
“It’s been so positive,” Dolan tells us. “When the football’s going well, everything feels good. You meet people in the street and it’s all positivity. I’m just embracing all of it.” His decision to swap Ewood Park for Espanyol raised eyebrows, but the player’s ambition was clear. “La Liga has the platform for me to show what I can do. I wanted to test myself against the best.”
The move is a stark contrast to his roots. Just five years ago, Dolan was turning out in the Northern Premier League after being released by Premier League academies at Man City and Burnley. “You’d come in at half time and players would be eating Haribos for energy,” he recalls with a laugh. “It’s completely different now. I’m proud of all the obstacles I’ve overcome, it makes the outcome sweeter.”
Espanyol manager, Luis García, is full of praise. “Tyrese has adapted faster than anyone expected,” García said. “His mentality is incredible. He’s got that hunger you only get from fighting your way up.” That fight included a tough personal choice. “Leaving my family was the hardest part,” Dolan admits. “I’m such a family person. But I’m happy I’m making everyone proud.”
With Espanyol firmly in the mix for Europe and a derby against giants Barcelona on the horizon, Dolan’s fairytale isn’t ending anytime soon. It’s a testament to sheer grit proof that the path from non league Haribos to La Liga glory is still possible for those with the talent and the heart to match.
