Liam Fox has challenged Dylan Levitt to showcase his “bravery, quality and personality” on a more consistent basis for Dundee United — and ensure his precocious promise does not go unfulfilled.
The Tannadice head coach pulled no punches in his assessment of Levitt’s performance in last Saturday’s 1-0 defeat against Motherwell, describing the former Manchester United kid as “poor” and making it clear he “expects better”.
Levitt was withdrawn at half-time and replaced by Ian Harkes, who made a bright impact after the break.
The Wales international was a marquee capture for the Tangerines during the summer, penning a two-year contract after becoming a firm fans’ favourite while on loan last season.
However, Levitt has struggled to recapture his best form and has often failed to make his presence felt in a struggling United side.
“I thought Dylan was poor at the weekend,” said Fox candidly. “That is why I made the decision to take him off. That wasn’t down to an injury.
“Dylan knows that and I have had a conversation with him.
“He knows that I expect better from him and I think Dylan agrees that he needs to be better. With Dylan’s attributes and quality, I need to feel his personality more in games. I need him to take responsibility and be braver on the ball. These are things I know he can do.
“With his talent, I need more, the team needs more and the supporters need more.”
‘You can’t flick a switch’
Fox’s frustration is palpable — and he is adamant that is because he knows just how good Levitt can be.
Still only 21 years of age, the classy playmaker boasts 13 caps for Wales, could go to the World Cup in Qatar this month and scored six goals for United last term.
🏴 Congratulations to @DylanLevitt who is crowned Fans' Player of the Year for 2021/22
Take a look at Dylan in action 👇 pic.twitter.com/c2t3ofnlIA
— Dundee United FC (@dundeeunitedfc) May 15, 2022
“This isn’t me putting loads of pressure on him — but if he is going to reach the level I feel he is capable of reaching, then he will have these demands placed on him all the time,” continued Fox.
“I see things in him that I don’t see in many other players. The group feels that, too.
“He has too much talent to coast.
“That’s the challenge that he has to step up and meet, consistently. That’s every day. You can’t flick a switch. You need to consistently be at a level, so that it becomes your standard.
“I’m not saying he isn’t doing that, but I am saying that, for someone of his talent, I need more.”
Fox added: “You’ll always get players who have talent but don’t reach the level that certain people think they should. That’s the last thing I would ever want for Dylan, with all the things he’s got going for him.
“He’s not a million miles away. We are talking about small details. But small details are what can take you to the next level.”
Buttons
Asked whether Levitt is the sort of character to react positively to such a public rallying cry, Fox added: “I’m 100% sure. If I didn’t think he could handle me having this conversation in public, I wouldn’t have it.
“I’ll make no apology for pushing players. That’s my job.
“I need to find the buttons and push them to where they need to be. If I can play a small part in that process for them, then brilliant.”
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