The United States will play two home friendlies when they face Belgium and Portugal on March 28 and 30, respectively, both at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Both games will serve as an opportunity for Mauricio Pochettino to observe players he has in mind for the World Cup.

The area that he evaluates and is most concerned about is the defense. The Argentine coach is still not convinced by his starting line-up, so he wants to analyze more options. He is also looking to strengthen the bench with players who have the conditions and skills to play in a highly demanding tournament such as the World Cup.

Time is of the essence for Pochettino. On the one hand, he is anxious to define his backline ahead of the tournament. On the other hand, his prospect could be inclined to wear another national jersey if called up by that other country.

Noahkai Banks, the jewel Pochettino wants

One of the options he is considering for defense is 19-year-old Noahkai Banks. The center-back plays for German club FC Augsburg. The youngster has established himself as one of the best young prospects within the group of players eligible for the US national team.

• Banks has made 21 Bundesliga appearances this season, scoring one goal and providing one assist

In the latest update on the situation, Pochettino left Noah Kai out of his most recent squad, as the defender opted not to take part in the scheduled friendlies.

The dispute with Germany

Banks is eligible to play for both the United States and Germany thanks to his American father and German mother, allowing him to represent both the United States and Germany.

Just two months before Pochettino presents the final list of 26 players for the World Cup, the defender has yet to make his debut for either the Americans or the Germans, so he has not yet been tied to either country.

According to the German media outlet Kicker, Banks is leaning towards Germany while keeping his options open, despite not having received a call-up from the German team.