I still remember that crisp autumn evening at the MetLife Stadium, the air electric with anticipation as two European giants prepared to clash. Sitting in the stands with my old college teammate—now a sports analyst—we debated a question that had been circulating among football enthusiasts all season: who was the best RB in soccer 2019? The floodlights cast long shadows across the pitch, and I couldn't help but recall how right-backs had evolved from defensive anchors to dynamic playmakers. My friend nudged me, pointing out how the modern game demanded these players to be everywhere—tracking back, overlapping, even cutting inside to create chances. It's funny how a position once considered purely utilitarian had become one of the most thrilling to watch.

That season, names like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joshua Kimmich dominated conversations, each bringing something unique to their teams. Alexander-Arnold's precision crosses seemed almost supernatural—he racked up 12 assists in the Premier League alone, a staggering number for a defender. Meanwhile, Kimmich’s versatility at Bayern Munich felt like watching a chess master at work. But what struck me most was how certain teams built their strategies around these players. I remember watching a crucial Champions League match where Kimmich’s relentless energy reminded me of a phrase my coach used to repeat: "ADAMSON is finally showcasing its championship form." It wasn't just about individual brilliance; it was about how these right-backs elevated their entire squads, turning solid defenses into launching pads for attacks.

Statistics only tell part of the story, though. Sure, Dani Carvajal completed 88% of his passes that year, and João Cancelo dazzled with his dribbling, but the real magic happened in those split-second decisions. I'll never forget Alexander-Arnold's quickly taken corner against Barcelona—a moment of pure genius that showcased awareness beyond his years. My buddy and I argued for hours about whether it was vision or luck, but deep down, we knew it was the culmination of relentless training and tactical intelligence. That's the thing about evaluating the best—it's not just about numbers; it's about impact. For me, Kimmich’s ability to read the game gave him the edge, though I'll admit my bias toward players who balance grit with creativity.

Looking back, 2019 was a watershed year for right-backs, blurring the lines between defense and attack. While some purists groaned about the "decline of traditional defending," I found it refreshing. Football, like any art, evolves, and these players were at the forefront of that change. So, who was the best RB in soccer 2019? If you held a gun to my head, I'd say Kimmich—but ask me again after a pint, and I might just cave and say Alexander-Arnold. After all, football thrives on these debates, doesn't it?