Netherlands winger Dilrosun in pop at Man City: They treat players like merchandise

Netherlands winger Javairo Dilrosun has fired a dig at former club Manchester City for treating their players like "merchandise".

The 20-year-old has made 12 appearances for Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin's first team this season after joining them in May this year.

He didn't not get beyond City's Under-23 squad before moving to the Berlin club and, though he has warm words about manager Pep Guardiola's personal influence on him, he is less complimentary about the Blues' behind-the-scenes operations.

"City are like a company," he told ELF Voetbal . "Players are their merchandise.

"I didn't really speak much face to face with Guardiola, but I've learned so much from just watching him.

"He gave some great advice that made me a better player - details about my first touch for example.

"And he's a very capable of explaining his tactics to his players."

Dilrosun spent four years at City after joining them in 2014 from Ajax.

And the youngster, who has now broken into the national squad, believes the Dutch club has changed since his time there.

"It's kind of strange that a lot of young wingers are educated at Ajax, but have their breakthrough elsewhere," he added.

"In my case it took too long before they offered me a contract. I'm not saying Ajax did something wrong, but I think they have changed their approach. 

"Youngsters now receive a contract once they're 16. Ryan Gravenberch for example, he's exceptional."

Ajax are currently trailing PSV by two points in the 2018-19 Eredivisie season, while Manchester City are leading the way in the Premier League, five points ahead of second-placed Liverpool.