When Marcus Rashford lines up for Barcelona in their first La Liga match after the winter break, he may not be the only Englishman taking part in one of Spain’s most intense football rivalries.
Just five years ago, Tyrhys Dolan was playing non-league football for Clitheroe, seven divisions below the Premier League. Now, at just 23 years old, he has become a key figure for Espanyol, who sit fifth in La Liga and are preparing for the fiercely contested Catalan derby.
Dolan’s rise has been anything but straightforward. His journey to Spanish football has been shaped by rejection, resilience, periods without a club, and profound personal loss — experiences that have helped define both the player and the person he has become.
Embracing Life and Football in Barcelona
Sitting in a café in Barcelona, Dolan switches seamlessly into Spanish when ordering his coffee — a small but telling sign that his move is about far more than football.
“I don’t want my only takeaway to be improving on the pitch,” he explains. “I want to connect with the culture, the language, and the supporters so they understand me as a person, not just a player.”
Dolan joined Espanyol in July after turning down a new contract at Blackburn Rovers, ending a five-year spell at Ewood Park. It was a deeply emotional decision, as Blackburn had offered him stability when he was released by Preston and left without a club.
“They weren’t just colleagues,” Dolan says. “They were family.”
Still, he knew that pushing his career forward meant stepping outside his comfort zone.
Why Dolan Chose La Liga Over the Championship
Moves from the English Championship to La Liga are rare, especially for young English players. Joining Espanyol is rarer still — the last British player to represent the club was Adrian Heath in 1988.
For Dolan, the appeal was clear.
“La Liga is one of the best leagues in the world,” he says. “Very few players make that jump from the Championship. For me, it felt like a reward for all the hard work.”
Inspired by Espanyol’s history and the passion of their supporters, Dolan saw the move as a chance to test himself against elite opposition on a global stage.
“I wanted to show the world what I can do,” he adds. “La Liga gives you that platform.”
Thriving at Espanyol as the Club Pushes for Europe
After narrowly avoiding relegation last season, Espanyol have been transformed. Dolan has featured in 16 of their 17 league matches, starting 13, as the team have won 10 games and climbed into the European places.
“When football’s going well, everything feels good,” Dolan says. “You feel the positivity everywhere — in the streets, with the fans, with the club.”
Supporters have embraced him, even bestowing affectionate nicknames such as “MaraDolan” and “Dolandinho” in recognition of his flair and confidence on the ball.
The Hard Road: From Academy Rejections to Non-League Football
Dolan’s self-belief is rooted in a career path that demanded resilience. After spells in the academies of Manchester City, Burnley, and Preston, he failed to secure a professional contract and dropped into non-league football.
“There were so many moments of uncertainty,” he recalls. “But that made the journey sweeter.”
Those experiences helped shape his mindset and appreciation for the game — from half-time snacks in non-league dressing rooms to tactical meetings in La Liga stadiums.
A Life-Changing Loss That Still Shapes Him
A defining influence in Dolan’s life remains his close friendship with Jeremy Wisten, a former academy team-mate.
The two grew up together in football, but Wisten’s path was disrupted by injury and release from his club. In 2020, at the age of 18, Wisten died by suicide — a loss Dolan describes as the most heartbreaking moment of his life.
Reflecting carefully and compassionately, Dolan speaks about the identity struggles young footballers can face when their careers are suddenly taken away.
“When you’re young, you’re known as ‘the footballer’,” he explains. “When that’s gone, you’re left wondering who you are.”
In tribute, Dolan wears the number 24 at Espanyol — the date of Wisten’s death — saying it makes him feel his friend is still with him on the pitch.
Turning Pain Into Purpose
Following Wisten’s death, Dolan became an ambassador for Go Again, a charity that supports young players released from academies.
“Sometimes all it takes is a conversation,” he says. “A few minutes of your day can change someone’s life.”
His advocacy highlights a growing conversation around mental health in football, especially for young players navigating rejection and identity loss.
New Challenges and Big Moments in Spain
Football in Spain has brought fresh challenges. Dolan speaks about the tactical complexity of La Liga — from intricate set-piece routines to constant positional demands.
“It makes you realise you’re not the finished article,” he admits.
Already, there have been unforgettable moments, including playing at the Santiago Bernabéu against Real Madrid.
“A boy from Broadheath at the Bernabéu,” he smiles. “That’s special.”
Eyes on the Catalan Derby
Now comes another milestone: the Catalan derby against Barcelona. Dolan can feel the anticipation building, with friends and family flying in from England to watch.
“It’s going to be very special,” he says. “Half the flight will be people from Broadheath.”
From non-league pitches to one of Spain’s fiercest rivalries, Tyrhys Dolan’s journey is a powerful reminder that footballing success is rarely linear — and that resilience, belief, and humanity matter just as much as talent.
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