TThe United States will play two home friendlies on March 28 against Belgium and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Both games will give Mauricio Pochettino an opportunity to take a look at the players he has in mind for the World Cup.
Diego Luna scores a great goal before Team USA faces Ecuador
What he evaluates and is most concerned about is defense. The Argentine coach is not yet satisfied with his starting XI and would like to analyze more options. They also want to strengthen their bench with players who have the condition and skills to play in a demanding tournament like the World Cup.
Time is of the essence for Pochettino. Meanwhile, he wants to define his backline for the tournament. On the other hand, the promising player may be more inclined to wear a different national jersey if he is called up by another country.
Noakai Banks, Pochettino’s treasure
One option he’s considering for the defensive end is 19-year-old Noakai Banks. The centre-back plays for German club FC Augsburg. The youngster has established himself as one of the most promising young prospects within the group of players eligible to play for the U.S. national team.
Banks has played 21 games in the Bundesliga this season, scoring one goal and providing one assist.
In an update on the situation, Pochettino excluded Noah Kai from the immediate squad after he chose not to take part in a scheduled friendly.
conflict with germany
Banks is eligible to play for both the United States and Germany thanks to his American father and German mother, and can represent both the United States and Germany.
Just two months before Pochettino announced the final list of 26 players for the World Cup, the defender is yet to play for either country, having not yet made his debut for either the USA or Germany national team.
According to German media outlet Kicker, Banks is leaning toward Germany, keeping his options open, even though he has not received a call-up from the German team.
