"Even though playing at a World Cup is a dream, I don't want to make my decision dependent on a World Cup. I feel connected to both nations."
"It's all really enjoyable at the moment, and it's perhaps impossible to fully explain why things are going so well. We're just a brilliant team unit. We have fun in the dressing room and, as soon as we step out onto the pitch, we're fully focused. This balance is what's making things click right now."
Noahkai Banks, a 19-year-old defender born in Honolulu to an American father and Spanish-German mother, is deliberating his international future between the U.S. and Germany. After progressing through FC Augsburg's youth academy, he has become a regular in the Bundesliga club's first team. Banks represented the U.S. at multiple youth levels and received a senior call-up last September, though he did not play. Despite being considered for Mauricio Pochettino's World Cup squad, Banks refuses to rush his decision based on tournament participation. He maintains contact with both national teams and emphasizes feeling connected to both nations. Currently performing well for Augsburg, Banks is focused on his club form and team success.
Read at ESPN.com
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