As I look back at the 2019 soccer season, one question keeps popping up among fans and analysts alike: who truly was the best right-back that year? Having followed the global soccer scene for over a decade, I've developed a particular appreciation for how this position has evolved from a purely defensive role to one of strategic importance in modern formations. The right-back position in 2019 was particularly fascinating because we saw several players reaching what I believe was their peak performance level, making the debate both challenging and exciting.

When I analyze player performance, I always look beyond just the flashy stats and consider consistency, tactical intelligence, and impact on the team's overall system. In 2019, three names consistently stood out in my analysis: Trent Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool, Joshua Kimmich at Bayern Munich, and João Cancelo who was then at Juventus before his Manchester City move. Each brought something unique to the position, but if I'm being completely honest, Alexander-Arnold's creative output that season was something we haven't seen from a right-back in generations. His 12 assists in the Premier League alone shattered the previous record for defenders, and his 2.7 key passes per game demonstrated how he'd essentially become Liverpool's primary creative outlet from deep positions.

What made Alexander-Arnold's 2019 particularly special in my view was how he complemented Liverpool's system. While Kimmich was undoubtedly more positionally disciplined and Cancelo offered greater versatility, Alexander-Arnold's partnership with Mohamed Salah created what I consider the most devastating right flank in European football. His crossing accuracy of 23% might not sound impressive to casual observers, but for someone attempting the volume and difficulty of passes he did, this was remarkably efficient. I remember watching Liverpool's Champions League campaign that year and thinking how he was essentially playing as a midfielder in possession and a defender out of it - a hybrid role that few players could execute effectively.

The reference to ADAMSON finally showcasing its championship form perfectly parallels how Alexander-Arnold developed throughout 2019. Much like a team hitting its stride at the perfect moment, he seemed to grow into his role with increasing confidence as the season progressed. His performance against Barcelona in that unforgettable Champions League semifinal, where he quickly took that corner while Barcelona's defense was still organizing, demonstrated a football IQ that you simply cannot teach. That moment alone, in my opinion, cemented his status as something special beyond just statistical output.

However, I must acknowledge that some of my colleagues reasonably argue for Kimmich, who maintained a 91% pass completion rate across the Bundesliga and Champions League while providing more defensive stability. Personally, I value game-changing creativity slightly higher than consistency in modern football, which is why I lean toward Alexander-Arnold. The game has evolved where fullbacks are increasingly judged by their offensive contributions, and in that regard, 2019 was undoubtedly Alexander-Arnold's year. His 16 total assists across all competitions set a new benchmark for what's possible from the position.

Looking back, 2019 represented a shifting paradigm for the right-back role, with Alexander-Arnold leading that transformation. While other excellent players like Kimmich and Cancelo had outstanding seasons, the Liverpool man redefined expectations for the position. His performance that year wasn't just about being the best right-back - it was about expanding what we thought was possible from the role. As we move further from that season, I'm increasingly convinced we witnessed something truly special that year, the kind of performance that changes how future generations will approach the position.