Implications of Romelu Lukaku's Everton Move

Perhaps no sooner that the whistle blew to end Everton's season in May, one of the biggest questions Everton fans had was one of the possibility of clinching loanee Romelu Lukaku on a permanent deal from Chelsea. After all, his goals and sheer presence had so much to do with Everton staying in the race for fourth place with such longevity, and one could have scarcely imagined Everton duplicating such a feat in the upcoming season without his services.

The double-edged sword of Lukaku's phenomenal season on Merseyside was that it both led to Everton exceeding many expectations in Roberto Martinez's first season at the helm and, accordingly, drove up his transfer value in Chelsea's eyes. With his valuation on the market now inflated, doubts were unquestionably present about Everton's financial ability to bring him back to Goodison Park.

The Dismantling of Southampton

For the neutral fan, Southampton's return to the Premier League after several years away was a feat to behold in and of itself. After having fallen all the way down to League 1, subsequent promotions saw them back in England's top flight. What was even more remarkable in these last two seasons was that they not only avoided dropping straight back down, but also looked to be consolidating their standing in the league, going from 14th in the 2012/13 season to eighth in the 2013/14 term.

And yet, the prospects of Southampton continuing this renaissance on the south coast are hardly the subject matter at hand for those of us on the outside looking in, for this summer has been one of roster turmoil and understandable indignation amongst fans.

James Rodriguez and the dangers of Real Madrid

It was with great pleasure that those who had not been familiar with the vast talents of James Rodriguez watched and partook of his exploits in Brazil this summer. It soon became clear to the previously uninitiated that his talent is indeed one that is on the very verge of greatness and could be the cornerstone of many of the biggest clubs in Europe.

With that glowing assessment of his talent in mind, it would, to the layman at least, seem that his move to Real Madrid from Monaco makes perfect sense, both to the team and the player. In stark contrast, I have to express a bit more reservation about this transfer than others might.

Verdienter Sieg

It was but scarcely a few weeks ago that we as a collective audience often surmised that there was no clear favorite to be had in this summer's World Cup. Indeed, such a widely held opinion was largely supported as the tournament's path wound its way through the group stage, casting the likes of Portugal, England and Italy aside and throwing plucky underdogs of the likes of Costa Rica, Algeria and the United States into the spotlight.

Yet, as was perhaps inevitable, the cream rose to the top. The Cinderella stories ultimately ended, and even as the final four sides stood as an invariable "who's who" of international pedigree, there would be, in the end, one side that proved its worth as being the rightful champions of the world.

Brazilian Capitulation

With the harrowing and stunning images of Brazil's 7-1 implosion surely seared into our minds now, never to be forgotten, the collective moratorium on what we saw has perhaps only begun. All at once, our very perception of the country and national team that often epitomizes what we would desire from our own teams saw its foundations eroded by a measurable degree.

United States And The Unforgettable Memories

Across our very vast and diverse sporting landscape on this side of the Atlantic, there is one undeniable figure, regardless of the sport, that we all long to find and identify: the hero, mastering his craft in that one seminal moment in which the world at large seemingly disappears into darkness and every ray of the sun appears to shine upon him and only him.

There were many here stateside who doubted quite vociferously the likelihood of the emergence of such a hero in the months that passed follow December's World Cup draw. Indeed, the apparent consensus was that there would be no real bravery on display, with the United States likely departing Brazil with their tails tucked between their legs, having entered like a lion only to exit like a lamb.

Mercifully for those of us who have lived and died while wearing our USA shirts over the years, the naysayers have been proven wrong with great aplomb, and we've been fortunate enough to add a few more memories to go along with those etched in 1994, 2002 and 2010.