Great Olympics Panoramica

Marc-Andre ter Stegen has admitted that his return to the German national team setup is a deeply emotional milestone following two years of physical and professional hardship. The 32-year-old, who left Barcelona for Ajax on loan this summer to revive his career, has been thrust back into the spotlight by new manager Jurgen Klopp.

Mauricio Pochettino has delivered a strong message regarding player commitment after teenage defender Noahkai Banks opted to represent Germany over the United States. The USMNT boss praised the 19-year-old's honesty but insisted he only wants players desperate to wear the badge.

Mauricio Pochettino and the United States men's national team have suffered a major blow after highly-rated defender Noahkai Banks committed his international future to Germany. The 19-year-old Augsburg centre-back, who previously represented the USMNT at youth level, will now file a one-time switch with FIFA to represent his mother's homeland.

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.