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Everton Football Club will enter the 2014/15 English Premier League season with every intention of reaching a top-four position for the first time in 10 years.
In recent times under David Moyes Everton would challenge the then big four of Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool to finish in the top four and a place in the Champions League, only qualifying once in the 2004/05 season.
With Roberto Martinez now at the helm there is a sense that the Toffees can finally break through into that elusive top four once again.
Martinez’s style of football will bring success to Goodison Park, a footballing style that revolves around possession.
But it was the capturing of Romelu Lukaku that has marked the true start of the Martinez era.
Lukaku has agreed a club record deal worth £28 million, and it’s a significant moment for Everton and Martinez. Everton have been unable to hold onto star players in recent years, so Lukaku staying put at Everton signals a confidence under Martinez and his vision for the club.
Everton reached the FA Cup quarter finals and finished in fifth position during Martinez’s first year in charge.
Although they finished seven points off fourth placed Arsenal, who have strengthened significantly, it shows that Everton are not far off challenging the bigger richer clubs.
With Chelsea and Manchester United also strengthening their squads during the transfer window, Everton will again need to improve on their 2013/14 campaign.
A home opener against newly promoted Leicester City will have Everton going in as hot favourites and a chance to kick start their season positively.
A lot of Everton’s season will hang on Lukaku and his ability to score goals, and he will need to better his 15 from last season for Everton to improve once again.
The Belgian is vital to the future of Everton. At 21 years old the pressure to perform is massive, but the upside is the high ceiling of talent Lukaku still has to reach.
Despite the Lukaku transfer Everton have also made improvements elsewhere.
Gareth Barry signed on a free transfer following a loan spell, Muhamed Bešić joined for £4 million, and Christian Atsu has arrived on loan to round out the major Everton off-season dealings to date.
With four World Cup players joining the Merseyside club it’s been a successful transfer window. They have added squad depth without any major departures, giving Martinez more options through rotation across Premier League and cup competitions.
It was a successful first season under Roberto Martinez given the transition of new manager, and the Catalan gaffer will be looking to end Everton’s 19-year trophy drought and take them that next step in Champions League qualification.
The 2014/15 season will be one to watch with keen interest, as the blue side of Merseyside might just surprise us all.