Five American Prospects Breaking Through in German Football

The German academy system is a hallmark of talent development, & in recent years, an increasing number of American prospects have come through Germany's top youth divisions. I look at 5 today!

The German academy system has long been a hallmark of talent development, and in recent years, an increasing number of American prospects have been making waves across Germany's top youth divisions. With its strong emphasis on technical mastery, tactical sophistication, and early first-team opportunities, Germany offers a unique environment where American players can refine their game and fast-track their professional careers. As the U.S. national team looks to bolster its pipeline ahead of the 2026 World Cup on home soil, keeping tabs on these emerging stars is more crucial than ever.

In this article, I look at five prospects under the age of 19 who hold American citizenship and play their club football in Germany.

Noahkai Banks (2006)

Noahkai Banks has emerged as the Bundesliga’s latest breakout talent, seizing the opportunity provided by the league’s short winter break to cement his place in Jess Thorup’s plans at FC Augsburg. After watching on from the sidelines for the first 15 matches of the season, Banks has now featured in all five of Augsburg’s Bundesliga fixtures in 2025, even starting in the club’s last two fixtures.

Despite still being eligible for U-19 football, Banks quickly dispels any doubts about his physical readiness for top-flight football with an imposing 1.93m and 93 kg profile. His towering frame and athletic composition allow him to thrive as wide centerback in Augsburg’s defensive construct, covering ground efficiently and executing precise, lunging tackles. In just 250 Bundesliga minutes, Banks has already made his mark with several key interventions, using his physical dominance and impeccable defensive timing to snuff out opposition attacks before they can materialize into anything of true threat.

Banks also proves effective in front-footed defensive duels, stepping confidently into midfield to break up play with agile movements and great defensive anticipation. His timing when pushing aggressively into midfield is noteworthy, and even with limited first-team exposure, he demonstrates a strong synchronization with the rest of Augsburg’s defensive structure. Banks moves in tandem with his teammates, ensuring defensive cohesion and minimizing gaps when the team presses high to force turnovers.

Having played 84% of his Bundesliga minutes out of position at left center-back, he has faced challenges progressing play on his weaker left foot. However, with each appearance, Banks grows in confidence, gradually revealing the line-breaking passing ability he has consistently showcased with Augsburg’s reserves in the Regionalliga Bayern.

As a ball carrier, he’s arguably even more effective, using short bursts to bypass the first line of pressure before finding a simple pass. His decision-making in these moments reflects a maturity beyond his years—he balances risk and reward expertly, avoiding long and unnecessary dribbles that could lead to costly turnovers in dangerous areas.

Banks is well on his way to becoming arguably the first academy talent since Marco Richter (born 1997) to firmly establish himself as a cornerstone in the Augsburg first team. While there’s room for improvement—particularly in developing his weaker left foot and refining his aerial ability, where he remains technically and positionally inconsistent—his potential is undeniable. Banks represents a key asset for Augsburg’s aspirations of European qualification and is also a promising figure for the U.S. national team where elite center backs are in short supply. Thankfully, the federation took a good step towards securing his future when Banks made his U20 debut in October, and then even scored in a 2-1 victory over France a few weeks later.

Tyrese Zeigler (2006)

Born in Frankfurt, Germany, to a family with Italian and American roots, Tyrese Zeigler carries a fascinating blend of eligible nationalities. He has never represented any of his three countries at the international level, but with his superb development at FC Kaiserslautern this season, it shouldn’t be long before the U.S. federation begins to take notice.

Zeigler made the switch to Kaiserslautern from local rivals Mainz 05 two seasons ago, and in that time, he has blossomed into a highly impressive attacking wingback. His speed is the most visible aspect of his game, as he tirelessly surges up and down the flank for the full 90 minutes. Defensively, his acceleration allows him to recover quickly from positional lapses, often getting back in time to snuff out potential threats with spectacular last-ditch interventions.

But Zeigler’s game is far more than just pace. In possession, the 18-year-old showcases a remarkably complete skill set, using his two-footed ability to devastating effect across both central and wide channels. With his right foot, he delivers pinpoint long-range passes that can exploit space behind a high defensive line, as well as driven crosses from deep positions that create inviting opportunities for forwards to pursue. When wide areas are shut down, Zeigler seamlessly shifts his play inside, carrying the ball into central corridors where he uses his left foot to engage in intricate link-up sequences that are more typical of a central midfielder. This versatility makes him exceptionally difficult for opponents to contain, as he always seems to have a solution regardless of the opponent’s defensive setup.

Zeigler’s attacking contributions have also been crucial this season, tallying six goal involvements in 12 appearances for Kaiserslautern’s U19 side. His performances suggest he’s on the cusp of a step up, with a likely move to Kaiserslautern’s U23 squad for the remainder of the season, as they battle for promotion to the Regionalliga Südwest. His offensive output would undoubtedly be a valuable asset in that promotion push, while facing senior opposition would offer him the perfect platform to refine his positional awareness and 1v1 defensive skills—areas that remain the most significant limitations in his game.

Still, even with these defensive question marks, Zeigler’s potential is undeniable, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see multiple clubs vying for his signature in the summer. His contract in Kaiserslautern is set to expire in June, so it will be fascinating to see where both his club and international future could go!

Mathis Albert (2009)

Borussia Dortmund have long been a breeding ground for American talent, with the likes of Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, and Cole Campbell all emerging from their youth ranks to make a mark on the first team. Yet, even among this impressive trio of attacking prospects, many believe Dortmund's most exciting American asset has only just arrived in the form of Mathis Albert.

Albert had been on the radar of top clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and FC Barcelona for some time, but it wasn’t until his family relocated to Germany for professional reasons that such a move could materialize, with Borussia Dortmund swooping in to prize away a jewel of LA Galaxy’s academy.

At just 15 years old, Albert has already played over 700 minutes for Borussia Dortmund’s under-19 squad, including starts against FC Barcelona and Real Madrid in the UEFA Youth League. Only Yousouffa Moukoko made his debut for Borussia Dortmund’s under 19 squad at a younger age, while Albert is also amongst the five youngest players to feature in the UEFA Youth League this campaign.

And what is most remarkable is that Albert is not an unprecedented physical phenomenon like Moukoko was during his academy years. Rather, he is thriving against opponents almost 4 years older off the merit of his pure technical mastery and game intelligence.

Albert's dribbling is a masterclass in precision and poise. His tight touches and upright posture allow him to glide through defensive lines, adjusting seamlessly to the movements of his opponents. Whether operating on the left or right flank, the U.S. youth international exhibits a natural tendency to drift into central areas, combining sharply with teammates or carving out shooting opportunities for himself.

What truly makes Albert special is his ability to translate his flair into end product—something that sets him apart even among his gifted peers. In just 472 minutes of U19 Bundesliga action, Albert has notched five goals and an assist, including a stunning curling effort in his first derby against Schalke 04 (below).

Given his rapid progression, it’s tempting to predict Albert’s first-team debut within the next six months. However, a degree of patience will be essential. Despite his technical brilliance, there are still key areas where Albert needs refinement. His defensive work rate has come under scrutiny from U19 coach Mike Tullberg, and while his tall frame suggests physical presence, Albert remains susceptible to being outmuscled in duels and struggles when faced with intense physical pressure.

These weaknesses are entirely natural for a player of Albert’s age though. As he navigates a phase of physical development where his balance and strength are still catching up to his rapidly evolving stature, the fact that he has still managed to perform at such a high level only further highlights the exceptional talent Borussia Dortmund have in their ranks.

Montrell Culbreath (2007)

Montrell Culbreath has not represented the U.S youth national teams since 2022, but the Bayer Leverkusen winger is not someone the U.S. federation should lose out of their sights for a potential return. Culbreath was a standout for Bayer Leverkusen’s U17 team last season, and he has since transitioned smoothly into a leading role with Die Werkself’s U19 squad, already accumulating nearly 1,500 minutes of play.

Much like Mathis Albert, Culbreath stands out for his exceptional skill and creativity in wide areas. He excels at drawing defenders in with sharp feints and sudden directional changes, making him unpredictable as he shifts both inside and outside of opponents. Even without the ball, Culbreath remains a significant threat—his ability to time off-the-ball runs perfectly allows him to exploit high opposition lines and wreak havoc in transition moments. His ability to create danger both with the ball at his feet and through well-timed off-ball movements consistently puts fullbacks in difficult situations where they are neither comfortable affording Culbreath space to receive, or space to exploit.

Despite his impressive technical ability, however, Culbreath still faces areas that require critical improvement if he is to reach the highest level of senior football. His physicality is underdeveloped, as he struggles to hold off defenders or to shield the ball effectively when an opponent is pressing from behind. It appears that he has not yet added the necessary functional muscle mass to handle the physical demands of transitioning from U17 to U19 football. Additionally, his defensive triggers are inconsistent. After losing possession, Culbreath sometimes becomes preoccupied with frustrations over referee decisions or his own mistakes, rather than immediately refocusing on defensive duties and applying pressure to win the ball back.

One other concern is his lack of consistent scoring impact. While he is capable of beating opponents in a variety of ways, Culbreath is noticeably uncomfortable finishing with his left foot. He will often opt to shift the ball back onto his right foot, putting himself into a sub-optimal scoring position with a poor angle toward goal. For a dominant Leverkusen side, his tally of just 2 goals and 1 assist from 17 matches in all competitions is disappointing, especially considering his technical and physical potential to be a potent attacking weapon against both deep defensive blocks and transition moments.

Marvin Dills (2007)

In recent months, Eintracht Frankfurt has emerged as one of the most exciting destinations to watch the rise of global young talent. With standout names like Can Uzun, Hugo Larsson, and Hugo Ekitike, Frankfurt has assembled a dynamic group of prospects with the collective talents to easily compete for a place in next season’s Champions League. But it’s not just the club’s impressive scouting network fueling this youthful renaissance — their impressive youth academy could also play a pivotal role in shaping the future soon.

One promising talent rising through the ranks is Marvin Dills. The 17-year-old German-American midfielder is an all-action dynamo, embodying boundless energy and mobility in the heart of Frankfurt’s engine room. Dills is the type of player who seems to be everywhere at once—making crucial interceptions deep in his own defensive third, only to pop up moments later surging past the opposition’s backline to deliver a perfectly timed cutback.

His versatility and all-around game are impressive, but his standout attribute is unquestionably his ball-carrying ability. He excels at driving through midfield with powerful, direct runs that commit defenders and propel play forward. This capacity to bridge lines with ease epitomizes his progressive style. Every action is geared toward advancing the ball quickly and efficiently, keeping opponents under relentless pressure. Dills personifies the modern, high-tempo, forward-thinking, midfielder that has become a hallmark of contemporary German football.

Players like Rocco Reitz, Jens Castrop, and Aljoscha Kemlein have carved out similar roles for their clubs and the German youth national teams, and Dills fits right into this mold. However, like these counterparts, Dills faces some limitations that he must address to fully adapt to senior-level football - especially outside the German system where the tactical demands on a midfield often drastically differ. The key for Dills will be finding the right balance between his high-octane attacking dynamism and maintaining absolute composure and clarity on the ball.

At present, Dills can be erratic in possession, making him less suited for first-phase build-up play deep in his own half. His skill set is better suited to a roaming No. 8 role, where he has the freedom to exploit space and drive forward without the burden of anchoring the midfield. Refining this decision-making and positional discipline will be crucial, though, as he transitions to senior football in a setup that may not be as accommodating.

Nevertheless, the overall package Dills offers is incredibly intriguing. Just a year after returning from a serious cruciate ligament injury, he’s already making a significant impact as one of the youngest players in one of Germany’s top U19 outfits.

For U.S. Soccer, he also presents an opportunity that can’t be overlooked. Dills has yet to be capped by any German youth national team, making him a prime candidate for the U.S. federation to pursue aggressively. With his unique skill set and high potential, Marvin Dills could become a key figure in the U.S. youth setup and, eventually, the senior national team.

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