5 teams heavily dependent on one star

#3 Real Madrid - Karim Benzema

FC Barcelona v Real Madrid CF - La Liga Santander

After their latest big-money signings proved to be disappointing, Real Madrid have decided to take a step back as far as investing heavily in the transfer market is concerned. It hasn't been smooth sailing for Los Blancos in recent times but they have been in good form this term.

Much of that is down to Karim Benzema's staggering form. A loyal servant, Benzema has outlasted almost all the superstars he played alongside at the club in the last decade. His technical brilliance has allowed him to adjust and mould his game to the demands of his side.

Now that he is one of the biggest stars at the club, he is truly establishing himself as one of the greatest to have worn their storied whites. Benzema has been in spectacular form this term. He has scored 11 goals and provided eight assists in 13 appearances across all competitions in the 2021-22 season.

He was also their standout performer in the 2020-21 campaign, scoring 30 goals and providing nine assists in 46 appearances. Real Madrid have a lot of talented young individuals on the come up. However, they wouldn't have been able to provide that platform for them without the services of Benzema.

#2 Borussia Dortmund - Erling Haaland

AFC Ajax v Borussia Dortmund: Group C - UEFA Champions League

Erling Haaland is a world-class striker and he is still just 21-years-old. He still has a long way to go and it's frightening just how good he might get over the next few years if he keeps developing at this pace.

This summer, Haaland was the most sought-after striker in the world. All the top European clubs have reportedly registered an interest in him and he is, by far, Borussia Dortmund's most prized asset.

Haaland scored 41 goals and provided 12 assists in 41 appearances across all competitions in the 2020-21 season. He has been phenomenal this term as well, scoring 13 goals and providing four assists in just 10 appearances so far.

The Norwegian international's goals have been extremely important for Borussia Dortmund. It's clear that Haaland does a lot of the heavylifting for his side. They will need to find a replacement for him soon as he is likely to depart for greener pastures next summer.

#1 Manchester United - Cristiano Ronaldo

Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United - Premier League

It's not fair to say that Cristiano Ronaldo is the problem at Manchester United anymore. He has bailed them out on far too many occasions this season for him to be called a problem anymore. It's true that the Red Devils have had to sacrifice some of their values and habits in order to accommodate Ronaldo.

But Manchester United's Champions League campaign is still on track only because of Ronaldo. He first scored a last-minute winner against Villarreal in a must-win game for Solskjaer's men. The Portuguese international then scored the winner to cap off a 3-2 comeback win over Atalanta a fortnight ago.

Ronaldo bagged a stunning brace to earn a valuable point against the same opponents away from home this week as well. He scored a goal and set up Edinson Cavani with a wonderful through ball as Manchester United eked out a desperately needed win over Tottenham Hotspur this past weekend.

Bruno Fernandes has also been a bright spot in an otherwise dull season for Manchester United. But without Cristiano Ronaldo and his ability to come up clutch in adverse scenarios, Solskjaer could even be out of a job right now.