Surging Augsburg defender Noahkai Banks (20) still open to swapping USMNT for Germany | OneFootball

After collecting an excellent win in a crucial Bundesliga relegation scrap, Augsburg’s German-American defender Noahkai Banks has spoken on his recent form surge and his pending decision about which country to represent internationally. The 19-year-old – along with the entire Augsburg back-line – are playing a vital role in securing another season of Bundesliga football for their club.

Noahkai Banks now an Augsburg regular

The USMNT call-up received a lucrative contract extension this past summer. Previous FCA head coach Sandro Wagner installed him as a regular in his back three near the beginning of the current campaign. Since matchday five, the Augsburg academy man started every league fixture under Wagner and current head coach Manuel Baum. Banks unfortunately missed out only on Augsburg’s sensational upset win over Bayern Munich due to suspension. 

Over the course of the current season, Banks has raised his estimated market value from €6m to €15m. His assist of teammate Rodrigo Ribeiro’s goal in Friday night’s 2-0 victory over Köln featured a brave enterprising run forward and deft cutback for the Portuguese striker. Banks impressively out-deked German veteran Marius Bülter en route to the baseline. 

Keven Schlotterbeck praises Banks

The Augsburg defensive anchor – once again donning the captain’s armband – praised his line-mate for having the courage to run forward in the 55th-minute and set up Ribeiro’s goal. Acclaim from Germany’s slightly elder Schlotterbeck brother means a great deal. Though Keven isn’t as successful as his younger sibling Nico, the 28-year-old is a proud “relegation warrior” who worked his socks off to help Union Berlin, Bochum, and Augsburg avoid the drop. 

“We discussed during the week that the outside center backs should run through,” Schlotterbeck told Sky Germany in his post-match interview. “He makes a great solo run and plays the ball in perfectly. Everyone is happy. Things are really going well at the moment. We [the defenders] questioned what we could do better during the winter break. At present, we’re defending very well and creating chances up front. You just have to praise the team.“

Banks speaks on Schlotterbeck, coaches, and the USMNT

The youngster himself commented on Schlotterbeck’s endorsement in his post-match interview. When it came to clashes, Banks also wished to emphasize that he owed much not only to Baum, but also to predecessor Sandro Wagner. Banks credited his two German coaches this year with helping both him and his fellow mixed German heritage player Mert Kömür earn Bundesliga minutes earlier this year.

“Since Schlotti can be very critical, it’s great when he praises you,” Banks said. “For me, Sandro was a brutally good coach, especially for me and Mert [Kömür]. He helped us young players incredibly. He helped the team incredibly. There was no one on the team who didn’t like him. He laid the foundation for all of this. [Baum’s tactics] also work and motivate us.“

Banks also surprisingly revealed that he actually still considered representing Germany. The son of an American father and German father has thus far only represented the USA internationally at U20 level and below. USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino called him up to camp during the September international break, though he remains uncapped at the highest level. 

“I have a bit of contact with both national teams and am currently deciding,” Banks noted. “I don’t want to base my decision on the World Cup. I’m 19-years-old and I don’t want to make a hasty decision. I feel drawn to both nations. I grew up with my stepdad in Germany, but my real dad lives in America. I’m torn. I have to decide with my family what the best decision is.“

GGFN | Peter Weis