Noahkai Banks, a center back from Hawaii, is making waves with his impressive performances for Augsburg in the Bundesliga, and he’s feeling “very torn” as interest from Germany’s national team grows.
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Having recently turned 19 in December, Banks has already donned the U.S. colors at the U17, U19, and U20 levels. He made his Bundesliga debut last season and has started in 18 of his 20 appearances for the Fuggerstädter.
Currently sitting ninth on the Bundesliga table, Augsburg benefits from Banks’ contributions, as he ranks fifth in minutes played while adding one goal and one assist to his tally.
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Banks ranks second on the team for accurate passes per 90 minutes, including 2.7 accurate long balls, and has a solid average of 2.2 tackles per 90 minutes.
Noahkai Banks: Weighing Options Between USMNT and Germany?
Last month, Banks expressed satisfaction with his experience in the U.S. program, despite receiving attention from Germany. He participated in a USMNT camp this fall but did not play in any matches (the friendlies wouldn’t cap-tie him).
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While the U.S. might leverage a potential World Cup opportunity to persuade him, Banks has clarified that this isn’t the sole factor influencing his decision.
“It’s a difficult decision regarding my nationality. I’m very torn,” Banks told Sky Sports Germany, as translated by Ryan Tolmich of Yahoo!. “I’m in contact with both the USA and Germany and both national coaches.”
“I hope to have a long career ahead, so I want to think this through carefully and discuss it with my family. I don’t want to base my decision on a World Cup. I’m just grateful to be in this position and to consider my options. We’ll see what unfolds.”
1. FSV Mainz 05 v FC Augsburg – Bundesliga
Noahkai Banks
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Germany boasts a strong lineup of defenders ahead of the World Cup, making it a challenging environment for him to break into the squad. Players like Malick Thiaw from Newcastle, Nico Schlotterbeck from Dortmund, and Bayern’s Jonathan Tah are all top talents. Notably, even experienced defenders like Antonio Rudiger and Robin Koch were left out of Germany’s last camp.
Interestingly, 22-year-old Nathaniel Brown is also eligible for USMNT selection.
As for the USMNT, Tim Ream and Chris Richards are nearly guaranteed spots on the World Cup roster. Coach Pochettino might opt for additional center backs due to his recent tactical preference for a back three and the long-term injury of Celtic’s Cameron Carter-Vickers.
Adding Banks to the squad, potentially ahead of players like Miles Robinson, Auston Trusty, or Mark McKenzie, could be a strategic move for the future.