Mauricio Pochettino says that the U.S. men's national team will have to deal with Noahkai Banks' decision to represent Germany, but the head coach is ultimately accepting of the teenage defender's choice. That's because Pochettino wants to focus his USMNT around players with '200 percent commitment', not players who are questioning whether or not the USMNT is the right choice for them.
The USMNT could use Noahkai Banks. Germany offer no easy route to the top. But the defender's decision deserves more than a search for someone to blame.
Cavan Sullivan leads a wave of fresh faces into USMNT camp, but has Mauricio Pochettino struck the right balance? GOAL’s writers debate his bold selections, notable omissions and what should count as success.
Rising stars Cavan Sullivan, Mathis Albert and Zavier Gozo are among the 12 players named to the U.S. men's national team for the first time ahead of the upcoming set of four friendlies. Manager Mauricio Pochettino, who confirmed his return to the USMNT in August, has also selected 12 players who were on this summer's World Cup roster, although big names Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Folarin Balogun all miss out.
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