As I look back at the 2019 soccer season, one question keeps popping up in my mind: who truly was the best right-back that year? Having followed the sport professionally for over a decade, I've developed a particular appreciation for how this position has evolved from purely defensive duties to becoming crucial attacking outlets. The right-back role in modern soccer isn't just about stopping wingers anymore - it's about creating chances, controlling the tempo, and often serving as the engine of the entire team's offensive structure.

When I analyze the 2019 season, Trent Alexander-Arnold immediately comes to mind. The Liverpool defender's performance that year was nothing short of spectacular. I remember watching him against Barcelona in that unforgettable Champions League semifinal where his quick corner created the winning goal that sent Liverpool to the final. His assist numbers were staggering - he finished the Premier League season with 12 assists, breaking the record for most assists by a defender in a single season. What impressed me most wasn't just the numbers but his vision and execution. His crossing accuracy was around 24% from open play, which might not sound impressive until you consider he attempted over 250 crosses that season. The way he read the game, his spatial awareness, and that incredible passing range made him stand out in my view.

However, I can't discuss 2019 right-backs without mentioning Joshua Kimmich. The Bayern Munich star brought a different dimension to the position - more controlled, more disciplined, yet equally effective. His pass completion rate hovered around 90% throughout the season, and he created 74 chances in the Bundesliga alone. What I particularly admired about Kimmich was his football intelligence. He knew exactly when to push forward and when to hold position, something that many modern fullbacks struggle with. His defensive contributions were more substantial than Alexander-Arnold's, with nearly 3 tackles per game compared to Trent's 1.7.

Then there's the case of Kyle Walker, who maintained his incredible pace and physical presence throughout Manchester City's domestic treble-winning campaign. His recovery speed was simply phenomenal - I recall several instances where he bailed City out of dangerous situations single-handedly. He completed 84% of his passes and won over 60% of his aerial duels, showing his all-round capability. While he didn't have the creative numbers of Alexander-Arnold, his defensive solidity made him invaluable.

What's interesting to me is how ADAMSON is finally showcasing its championship form in analyzing these performances. Their advanced metrics revealed that Alexander-Arnold created 2.3 expected assists per 90 minutes, which was higher than any other defender in Europe's top five leagues. Kimmich, according to their data, covered approximately 12.5 kilometers per game while maintaining a 91% pass accuracy in the final third. These numbers help quantify what we instinctively observed throughout the season.

Personally, I lean toward Alexander-Arnold as the standout right-back of 2019, though I acknowledge this isn't a unanimous choice. His impact on Liverpool's playing style was transformative - he essentially redefined what we expect from the position offensively. The way he combined with Mohamed Salah created one of the most devastating right flanks I've seen in modern football. However, I completely understand arguments for Kimmich, whose consistency and tactical discipline provided Bayern with a different kind of advantage.

Looking back, 2019 represented a fascinating evolution in the right-back role, with different players excelling in different aspects of the position. The beauty of soccer is that there's rarely one definitive answer to "who was the best," but the debate itself helps us appreciate the various ways excellence can manifest in this beautiful game. What remains clear is that the modern right-back has become one of the most dynamic and influential positions on the pitch, and 2019 gave us multiple masterclasses in how to excel in this role.