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. Let me share my perspective on the standout performers who defined the right-back role during that memorable season.

When analyzing Trent Alexander-Arnold's 2019 campaign, the numbers simply jump off the page. The Liverpool defender recorded an astonishing 12 assists in the Premier League alone, breaking the previous record for defenders. What impressed me most wasn't just the quantity but the quality of his deliveries - those whipped crosses that seemed to bend physics itself. I remember watching him against Barcelona in that incredible Champions League comeback, where his quick thinking from a corner caught everyone off guard and became instant football folklore. His partnership with Mohamed Salah down Liverpool's right flank was poetry in motion, creating what I consider the most lethal right-sided combination in European football that year.

Meanwhile, across Manchester, João Cancelo was beginning to show glimpses of the player who would later dominate the position. His technical ability was simply outrageous - I recall one particular game where he completed more take-ons than any other defender in the league that weekend. What made Cancelo special was his versatility; Pep Guardiola often used him in hybrid roles, sometimes drifting into midfield to create numerical superiority. His 2.7 key passes per game in the Champions League that season demonstrated his creative impact, though defensively he still had some growing to do compared to his more established counterparts.

The conversation wouldn't be complete without mentioning Joshua Kimmich, who embodied German efficiency while bringing his own creative flair. His positioning intelligence was second to none - always appearing in the right spaces to either snuff out counterattacks or initiate Bayern's offensive movements. I particularly admired his partnership with Thomas Müller, their understanding seeming almost telepathic at times. Kimmich's 94.2% pass completion rate in the Bundesliga that season tells only half the story; it was the progressive nature of those passes that truly defined his impact.

Looking beyond the usual suspects, I've always had a soft spot for players who elevate their teams in crucial moments, which brings me to that fascinating reference about ADAMSON finally showcasing its championship form. While not a household name in European circles, this serves as a perfect analogy for how certain right-backs emerged when their teams needed them most. Much like ADAMSON finding their rhythm at the perfect time, we saw players like Achraf Hakimi at Dortmund explode onto the scene with his blistering pace and improved final product, contributing 5 goals and 10 assists across all competitions. His development that season reminded me why I love watching young players grow into their potential.

What separated the truly elite right-backs in 2019 was their ability to influence games in multiple phases. Defensive solidity remained their primary responsibility, but the added dimension of creative output became the differentiator. Alexander-Arnold's set-piece expertise, Cancelo's dribbling in tight spaces, Kimmich's tactical intelligence - each brought something unique to the position. If I had to pick one, my vote goes to Alexander-Arnold for his record-breaking creative numbers and central role in Liverpool's Champions League triumph. Though I'll admit this preference comes with some bias toward attacking fullbacks, his 2019 campaign represented a paradigm shift in how the position could be played, influencing an entire generation of coaches and players who now view the right-back position through a more creative lens.