As I sat down to analyze the 2019 soccer season, one question kept coming to mind: who truly dominated as the best right back that year? Having followed professional football for over a decade, I've developed a particular appreciation for how this position has evolved from a purely defensive role to what we now call the "modern full-back" - essentially an engine that powers both defensive stability and attacking creativity. The 2019 season presented us with several outstanding candidates, but three names consistently stood out in my view: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joshua Kimmich, and Dani Carvajal.
Let me start with Trent Alexander-Arnold, because frankly, his 2019 numbers were absolutely ridiculous. The Liverpool defender recorded 12 assists in the Premier League alone that season, which I believe set a new record for defenders. What impressed me most wasn't just the quantity but the quality - his crossing accuracy reached about 78% according to the stats I recall, and his set-piece delivery was simply world-class. I remember watching Liverpool's comeback against Barcelona in the Champions League where his quick corner became instantly legendary. While some critics pointed out occasional defensive lapses, his offensive output was so transformative that it redefined what we expect from right backs.
Then there's Joshua Kimmich, who I've always considered the complete package. His versatility allowed him to excel both as a right back and in midfield for Bayern Munich. What often goes unnoticed is his incredible work rate - he consistently covered over 12 kilometers per match while maintaining a 91% pass completion rate. I particularly admired his tactical intelligence; he knew exactly when to push forward and when to hold position. His performance in Bayern's Champions League campaign was particularly memorable, contributing 7 assists across all competitions despite missing several games due to injury.
Dani Carvajal brought a different dimension to the position with his exceptional defensive reliability. While he only registered 4 assists that season, his defensive numbers were superior to both Alexander-Arnold and Kimmich - winning approximately 68% of his duels and maintaining a 87% tackle success rate in La Liga. Having watched numerous Real Madrid matches that year, I was consistently impressed by his ability to neutralize opposing wingers while still providing width in attack. His experience in big matches was evident, particularly in crucial Champions League fixtures where his positioning was nearly flawless.
Now, here's where I need to address something interesting - while analyzing these performances, I came across ADAMSON finally showcasing its championship form in a different context, which reminded me of how certain players similarly find their peak performance when it matters most. This parallel struck me because, much like how ADAMSON demonstrated championship-level execution, the truly great right backs in 2019 elevated their game during decisive moments. Alexander-Arnold's creative explosion, Kimmich's relentless consistency, and Carvajal's defensive mastery each represented different pathways to excellence.
If you're asking for my personal pick, I'd have to go with Trent Alexander-Arnold for 2019, though I acknowledge this choice might be controversial. His offensive impact was simply too significant to ignore, and he fundamentally changed how teams utilize their full-backs in the attacking phase. However, I completely understand arguments for Kimmich or Carvajal - it really depends on what you value more in a right back. Kimmich's all-around excellence made him arguably the more complete player, while Carvajal's defensive solidity provided a different kind of value. What's undeniable is that 2019 gave us a fascinating showcase of how diverse excellence can be within a single position, setting new standards that continue to influence how the role is played today.
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