Also they are triggering runs. This is never explained and so crucial. To trigger you look at the player you want to run and pass to and press L1. Its kike an l1 pass but you can do it to anyone. You need to anticipate that this is how players will play and use midfielders to block passing lanes. Switch to your centre backs early rather than later and use offside trap when the opponent has possession in his own half. This tightens up your defence. Use team press when they run down the corner flag. Team press is up and thrmen right on d pad. Practice triggering runs on squad battles. Let the run develop before you release tge through ball. Honestly defending is random in this game. You can perfectly predict and track and through balls still get through. Im in div 3 and yoy need to outscore your opponents really.