After collecting a strong result in a crucial Bundesliga relegation battle, Augsburg’s German-American defender Noahkai Banks has spoken out about his recent uptick in form and his impending decision on which country he will represent at international level. The 19-year-old – as well as the entire Augsburg defense – are play a vital role in securing another season of Bundesliga football for their club.
Noahkai Banks now a regular at Augsburg
The USMNT summons received a lucrative contract extension last summer. Former FCA head coach Sandro Wagner installed him as a regular starter in his back three towards the start of the current campaign. Since matchday five, the man from the Augsburg academy has started all league matches under Wagner and current head coach Manuel Baum. Banks unfortunately only missed Augsburg’s sensational victory against Bayern Munich due to suspension.
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During the current season, Banks increased his estimated market value from 6 million euros to 15 million euros. His assist on teammate Rodrigo Ribeiro’s goal in Friday night’s 2-0 win over Cologne resulted in a courageous, enterprising run forward and a deft cut for the Portuguese striker. Banks impressively outplayed German veteran Marius Bülter en route to the baseline.
Keven Schlotterbeck praises Banks
The Augsburg defensive anchor – who once again wears the captain’s armband – praised his teammate for having the courage to run forward in the 55th minute and set up Ribeiro’s goal. The cheers of the slightly older German brother Schlotterbeck mean a lot. Although Keven is not as successful as his younger brother Nico, the 28-year-old is a proud ‘relegation warrior’ who has worked hard to help Union Berlin, Bochum and Augsburg avoid the drop.
“We discussed during the week the need to move outside center backs,“Schlotterbeck said Sky Germany in his post-match interview. “He makes a great solo run and plays the ball perfectly. Everyone is happy. Things are going really well at the moment. We (the defenders) asked ourselves what we could do better during the winter break. Currently, we are defending very well and we are creating chances up front. Just congratulate the team.“
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Banks talks Schlotterbeck, coaching and the USMNT
The youngster himself commented on Schlotterbeck’s support in his post-match interview. When it came to the clashes, Banks was also keen to point out that he owed a lot not only to Baum, but also to his predecessor Sandro Wagner. Banks credited his two German coaches this year helping him and fellow German-born Mert Kömür earn minutes in the Bundesliga earlier this year.
“Since Schlotti can be very critical, it’s great when he compliments you,“, Banks said. “For me, Sandro was a very 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) work and also motivate us.“
Banks also surprisingly revealed that he was still considering representing Germany. The son of an American father and a German father has so far only represented the United States internationally at the U20 level and below. USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino called him up to camp during the September international break, although he is still not capped at the top level.
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“I have a bit of contact with both national teams and I’m deciding,“The banks took note.”I don’t want to base my decision on the World Cup. I’m 19 and I don’t want to make a hasty decision. I feel attracted to both nations. I grew up with my stepfather in Germany, but my real father lives in America. I’m torn. I have to decide with my family what is the best decision.“
