Reference

Shunsuke Nakamura faced several challenges during his time adapting to Espanyol in La Liga:

1. Cultural and Language Barriers: One of the major issues Nakamura faced was adapting to the new culture and language in Spain. According to The Telegraph, he struggled with Catalan culture and language, which affected his ability to integrate into the team and communicate effectively.

2. Injury and Fitness Problems: Nakamura had some injury concerns that hindered his ability to perform at his best. These issues were compounded by the physical demands of La Liga compared to what he experienced in the Scottish Premier League with Celtic.

3. Adaptation to Playing Style: The style of play in La Liga was different from what Nakamura was accustomed to, which included a faster pace and more technically demanding style of football. This was highlighted by Espanyol's concerns over his adaptation to Spanish football, as noted by Reuters.

4. Performance Expectations: There was significant media and fan pressure for him to replicate the success he had at Celtic. When his performance fell below expectations, it increased scrutiny and pressure, making adaptation even more challenging.

Here is an image that represents Shunsuke Nakamura during his time at Espanyol:

For a more in-depth understanding, you can explore his Wikipedia page.