Tyrhys Dolan's rise from non-league Clitheroe to Espanyol's fifth-place La Liga side is remarkable. Five years after playing seven tiers below, the 24-year-old English winger now prepares for his first Catalan derby. He turned down a new Blackburn deal to move to Spain, seeking a tougher challenge and a chance to prove himself on a bigger stage.

Dolan's path was never smooth. Released by Preston, he found a home at Blackburn, calling the club 'family.' His journey is also shaped by tragedy, wearing the number 24 to honor his late best friend, Jeremy Wisten. He has become an ambassador for the Go Again charity, supporting young players facing the trauma of academy rejection.

Now settled in Barcelona, Dolan studies the game's tactical demands, admitting the pace and complexity of La Liga is an eye-opener. He has already played at the Bernabeu and is relishing the intensity of the upcoming derby against Barcelona. With his family watching, he aims to show that belief and resilience can overcome even the hardest path.