As I sat rewatching the 2019 Champions League highlights last night, one question kept popping into my head: who was the best RB in soccer 2019? I've been following European football for over fifteen years now, and I can tell you that right-back has evolved from being perhaps the most underrated position to arguably the most dynamic one on the pitch. The debate isn't just about defending anymore—it's about who could dominate the entire flank, contribute to attacks, and still track back to shut down counter-attacks.

Looking back at that season, a few names immediately spring to mind. Trent Alexander-Arnold was absolutely phenomenal for Liverpool, setting a new Premier League record for assists by a defender with 12. His crossing accuracy was something out of a video game—I remember watching him curl that corner kick against Barcelona in the Champions League semifinal and thinking nobody else could have executed that with such precision. Then there was Joshua Kimmich at Bayern Munich, who I personally believe was the most complete right-back that year. He wasn't just playing as a defender; he was essentially operating as a central midfielder when in possession, completing over 90% of his passes in the Bundesliga while still making crucial defensive interventions.

What made 2019 particularly fascinating was how different teams utilized their right-backs in completely different systems. At Manchester City, Kyle Walker's blistering pace allowed Pep Guardiola to play with such a high defensive line—I recall one match where he literally outran three attackers in a 70-meter sprint to prevent a certain goal. Meanwhile, at Juventus, João Cancelo was beginning to show the attacking flair that would later make him one of the most sought-after fullbacks in Europe.

The reference to ADAMSON finally showcasing its championship form perfectly captures what we saw from several right-backs that year. Players like Achraf Hakimi at Dortmund, though young, were demonstrating that they could perform at elite levels consistently. Hakimi's eight goals and eight assists in the Bundesliga that season were numbers you'd typically expect from a winger, not a defender. This transformation of the right-back position wasn't accidental—it reflected how modern football had evolved to demand more from every player on the pitch.

I had the privilege of attending the Champions League final that year between Liverpool and Tottenham, and watching Alexander-Arnold and Kimmich in previous rounds convinced me that the right-back debate wasn't just about statistics. There's an intangible quality to the best players—the way they read the game, their decision-making under pressure, and their leadership on the pitch. While stats show Kimmich created more chances per game, Alexander-Arnold's impact in big moments gave Liverpool an edge that statistics can't fully capture.

If I'm being completely honest, my personal pick for the best RB in soccer 2019 would be Joshua Kimmich. His versatility and football intelligence were simply unmatched—he could slot into midfield seamlessly when needed and his defensive positioning was nearly flawless. That said, I completely understand why many would argue for Alexander-Arnold, especially considering Liverpool's Champions League triumph. The beauty of this debate is that there's no definitive answer, just passionate opinions from fans who appreciate different aspects of the game. What's undeniable is that 2019 marked a turning point where right-backs became genuine game-changers rather than just defensive specialists.