English Premier League: Top 5 Players Who Will Have Limited Playing Time

It's been four days since the end of the summer transfer window, and teams are starting to integrate their new players into their lineups. For fans all over the world, there is still much to discuss regarding the transfers that have stunned the world in the past weeks (and months).

Most people look at players with new clubs, but it is equally interesting to view those who stayed at their club despite incessant transfer rumors linking them elsewhere. Many of these players will now have to deal with less playing time with their club.

Here's a list of five EPL players who remained at their club throughout the summer and will have less playing time this season: 

Maxi Rodriguez

Age: 30

Nationality: Argentinian

Team: Liverpool

After a very promising end to last season, it looked like Maxi Rodriguez was becoming an integral part of Liverpool's midfield. Then came Charlie Adam, Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson.

The three new signings have already made a mark on the 2010/2011 campaign, and it looks like Rodriguez will not have the season that he wants. With Steven Gerrard making a return to first team action soon, the Argentinian will be even less likely to play.

In case you forgot, Liverpool are not in the Champions League or the Europa League this season. So, basically, Maxi Rodriguez will only start in League Cup (maybe FA Cup too) matches or when one of Liverpool's starters is injured. 

Carlos Tevez

Age: 27

Nationality: Argentinian

Team: Manchester City

There's so much to say regarding Carlos Tevez, but it's always pointless. One day he's happy, and the next day he wants to leave Manchester City.

After a summer of transfer rumors linking him to a bunch of teams, the Argentinian remains at Eastlands. That isn't looking like a great decision as the signing of Sergio Aguero and the revival of Edin Dzeko push Tevez down the pecking order. 

It's true that Manchester City are now playing in the Champions League in addition to the domestic league and cups, meaning that Tevez will be involved when others are rested. However, I don't think the 27-year-old wants to be used as a substitute player. If things don't work out, Tevez should be leaving the club in January. 

Nicolas Anelka (or Salomon Kalou)

Age: 32

Nationality: French

Team: Chelsea

Anelka was signed by Chelsea in 2008 and has contributed a lot in his 170-plus appearances. But, as he is now 32 years old, and new strikers arrive at the Bridge, the Frenchman finds himself on the bench most of the time. For now, it's tough to tell if Anelka will be the striker who gets the least amount of playing time. I feel that it's either him or Salomon Kalou.

As the season progresses, I believe that Villas-Boas will use Sturridge, Mata, Drogba, Malouda, Lukaku and Torres ahead of the pair. With so many attackers, both Anelka and Kalou may find very limited playing time this campaign.

The arrivals of Mata and Lukaku probably should have signaled the departure of at least one of Chelsea's strikers. Now Andre Villas-Boas has the challenge of keeping a lot of players happy.

Adam Johnson

Age: 24

Nationality: English

Team: Manchester City

Somehow Adam Johnson has never been a regular starter for Manchester City. The English winger joined from Middlesbrough in January 2010 and has played superbly since then. Still, Roberto Mancini has never truly appreciated Johnson's talent.

And, if the 24-year-old couldn't start for City in early 2010, when the team was playing badly, it's even worse now. The Blues are finally showing how good they are and it seems like they have their line-up decided. 

Adam Johnson will most likely play more than Carlos Tevez but will be disappointed that, at 24 years of age, he will be warming the bench most of the time. At least the Englishman knows that, if he wants to, he can leave Manchester with many clubs keen to buy a player like Johnson. 

Dimitar Berbatov

Age: 30

Nationality: Bulgarian

Team: Manchester United

Like Manchester City and Liverpool, United have been busy bringing in new players this summer. Not good news for Dimitar Berbatov. The Bulgarian has had trouble establishing himself into Alex Ferguson's line-up over the past seasons. This was even the case last season when he was joint top scorer in the Premier League.

Rumors of a move to PSG were dismissed by both United and Berbatov. But with Welbeck, Hernandez, and Rooney all above Berbatov in the striking role, it feels like the 30-year-old should have made the transfer to France.

As United are competing in four different competitions this season, Berbatov may find a good amount of playing time. However, as we know, manager Ferguson prefers promoting youth and also seems not to like the Bulgarian forward too much. This may not be the best year for Dimitar Berbatov.