Rising Star Banks Shines in Bundesliga, Eyes USMNT Spot

omidbasir- Banks made his debut in top-flight football last season, having ascended the ranks at Augsburg. He played his first senior match in January 2025, amassing eight appearances in the Bundesliga toward the end of that season.

“I progressed step by step,” Banks shared with GOAL in September. “My debut was particularly special. Gradually, I integrated into the first team, which made me realize that I might have reached this level, but now my goal is to maintain my position.”

This season, Banks has solidified his role in Augsburg’s defense. During the Bundesliga’s winter break, he has already started in 10 games and has come off the bench in two others. Notably, he scored a goal in his first start of the season on October 4, contributing to a victory over Wolfsburg. The young defender has started in the team’s last seven matches, and aside from a disappointing performance in a 3-0 loss to Hoffenheim, his contributions have underscored his potential as a Bundesliga-level defender.

Statistical analyses support his strong performances. According to FB Ref, Banks excels in pass completion, progressive passes, and progressive carries, indicating his adeptness with the ball. He also ranks above average in blocks, clearances, and aerial duels, and impressively sits in the 97th percentile for tackles per 90 minutes. However, it is important to note that Augsburg’s current standing in 15th place necessitates a greater defensive workload than teams like Bayern Munich. Regardless, Banks has demonstrated that he can hold his own, which is a significant accolade for a 19-year-old central defender.

His physical attributes, including a height of 6-foot-4 and notable recovery speed, contribute to his effectiveness on the field. Nonetheless, excelling in the Bundesliga requires more than just physicality, and Banks has exhibited a tactical awareness that belies his age. His primary criticism has been occasional tentativeness, which is not uncommon for young players. Recently, however, Banks has appeared more confident, highlighted by an outstanding performance against Bayer Leverkusen, where he led in duels won and completed a high percentage of his passes in a 2-0 victory for Augsburg.

The next challenge for Banks is to translate his club success to the national team. Although it will be a formidable task, he has provided ample reasons to believe he could succeed sooner rather than later. USMNT coach Pochettino, who has only recently begun working with him, has acknowledged the defender’s talent. Despite not having seen him play for the national team yet, he remarked, “I observed him in Germany, and he is a tremendous talent. You never know how he might develop; by the end of the season, he could be among the top center backs in Europe or Germany.”

While this praise is significant, it is essential to temper expectations. Banks is still young and will undoubtedly face growing pains. However, he has already outperformed many expectations, although achieving world-class status may still be a challenge for the foreseeable future.

Many are eager to see if he can emerge as one of the top defenders for the USMNT, particularly with the upcoming World Cup on the horizon. The center-back pool for the national team is both deep and competitive, with numerous candidates vying for a spot. The only guaranteed choice appears to be Chris Richards, whose path mirrors Banks’s journey. After developing at Bayern, Richards became a regular in the Bundesliga and subsequently earned a prominent role in the USMNT, culminating in a transfer to Crystal Palace.

Banks will also contend with experienced defenders such as Tim Ream, who is aiming for one final World Cup, and Mark McKenzie, who impressed against Uruguay. Additionally, Miles Robinson remains a reliable choice, while veteran Walker Zimmerman is consistently considered for selection.

What sets Banks apart is his immense potential. With his physical attributes and experience in a back three—aligning with the USMNT’s recent tactical approach—he has a solid foundation to build upon. At just 19, he has the time and opportunity to further enhance his skills.

Pochettino has noted Banks’s importance, stating, “It’s a legacy because he fills a crucial position that is challenging to find in any national team. It’s vital for him to experience different levels of competition.”

Ultimately, the decision rests with Pochettino: has Banks demonstrated enough to secure a spot on the World Cup roster, and is he ready to contribute effectively?

Banks himself expressed excitement during a USMNT camp in September, admitting his surprise at being called up. “I was so surprised and happy. My mom called me five minutes after to share her happiness as well.”

For Banks to earn another chance to impress ahead of the World Cup selection, he faces one final opportunity in March when the U.S. will compete against Portugal and Belgium. This may be his last direct chance to showcase his talents, although roster selections can be unpredictable, as exemplified by Ream’s late inclusion in the 2022 World Cup.

Moving forward, Banks’s roadmap is clear: continue to develop at Augsburg. While challenges await, particularly for a team battling relegation, maintaining his starting position will be vital. If he can establish himself as a consistent starter in the Bundesliga, he will have made a compelling case for inclusion in the March roster, particularly with MLS players in early-season form.

“It’s approaching fast, but there’s so much I want to achieve,” Banks remarked to GOAL in the fall. “I aim for a remarkable season, which means focusing on each game. Ultimately, whatever happens is in God’s hands.”

For Banks, the prospects are promising—a chance to potentially play in the World Cup before his 20th birthday and possibly secure a position in the starting lineup.