Mauricio Pochettino Demands Commitment Ahead of New York Derby

FC Augsburg defender Noahkai Banks has named Barcelona as his childhood favorite club while mapping out his professional ambitions, according to an interview with Bulinews.com.

The 19-year-old has established himself as a regular starter in the Bundesliga club’s three-man backline this term, making 17 league appearances. His rapid rise has drawn attention from United States coach Mauricio Pochettino, who previously stated that Banks possesses the potential to develop into one of the best center-backs in Europe.

Career Aspirations and Childhood Favorites

During a media roundtable on Tuesday, Banks discussed his current development in Germany while acknowledging potential future career steps. According to Bulinews.com, the defender noted that while he thoroughly enjoys playing in the Bundesliga, other prominent competitions such as the Premier League, Serie A, and La Liga offer appealing environments.

When asked about specific destinations, Banks revealed his long-standing admiration for Spanish side Barcelona. “One of the clubs I idolized while growing up was Barcelona. I think I can say that’s my favorite club. So yeah, maybe one day it would be a dream to play for them, but let’s see what happens,” Banks told reporters, as reported by Bulinews.com.

Football Idols and Playing Style

Reflecting on the players who shaped his understanding of the game, Banks pointed to Argentine star Lionel Messi as an all-time great, despite playing in an entirely different position. For defensive role models, the young center-back looked toward the German national team.

According to Bulinews.com, Banks identified 2014 German World Cup winner Jérôme Boateng, formerly of Bayern, as his primary defensive idol. The Augsburg defender highlighted Boateng’s performances during the 2014 tournament as a turning point for his admiration, noting stylistic similarities in how they approach the center-back position, while acknowledging that he is still working to reach that tier of play.

International Prospects with USMNT

On the international front, Banks targets a potential second call-up to the senior United States national team in March. He previously earned his first selection to Pochettino’s squad in September, though he did not make his debut during that international window, according to Bulinews.com.