Tactical shift fuels Tyrhys Dolan’s confidence ahead of Real Madrid clash
The English winger credits a move to the left side of the pitch for his improved output, as Espanyol prepares to host Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid.
Tyrhys Dolan has credited a tactical repositioning for his improved form at Espanyol, following a goal in the club’s 3-0 LaLiga victory over Levante. The 24-year-old English winger, who joined from Championship club Blackburn Rovers, discussed his development in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports, highlighting how a switch from the right wing to the left has altered his role in the team.
During his first season in Spanish football, Dolan operated primarily on the right, a position he described as being “pretty much on the touchline.” That role focused heavily on crossing, resulting in a higher volume of assists than goals. However, the move to the left wing allows him to cut inside, creating more direct scoring opportunities. “For me, it is better because I can cut in and get more shots off,” Dolan said, noting that the change offers “more avenues” to his game.
The tactical adjustment comes as Espanyol seeks to avoid a repeat of last season’s decline, which saw the club slide from European contention in the winter to a relegation threat in the spring. Dolan acknowledged the impact of that period on the club’s atmosphere but suggested the recent win over Levante has restored a sense of momentum. “It was just like, yeah, now we’re off and running again,” he stated.
Ahead of Saturday’s match against Real Madrid, Dolan noted that the summer break and pre-season training in England helped refresh him mentally. The opportunity to spend time with family, including his parents who attended every pre-season game, provided a necessary “switch off” from the demands of the season. He described the experience as a balance between missing his life in Barcelona and appreciating the time away.
The upcoming fixture marks the first LaLiga match of the season for Real Madrid, who are managed by Jose Mourinho. Dolan, who faced the club last season, expects Kylian Mbappe to feature, identifying the French forward as the best player he has encountered in his time in Spain. While the first meeting was a “pinch-me moment,” Dolan said he now approaches the game with a “cooler head,” remaining unconcerned about whether Trent Alexander-Arnold or Denzil Dumfries starts at right-back.
Dolan believes he has learned significantly from his first year in the league, stating, “I know the league now. I know myself a lot more.” He expressed confidence that he is “not the player I was a year ago” and is ready to test that improved form against one of the world’s most famous football clubs.
