EA FC24 support staff

Please explain to me how (when playing FUT CHAMPS or Rivals) my opponent's Virgil Van Dijk at 78pace can beat my 99pace Galeno or 97pace Beier in a race for the ball when my player has a decent headstart??

Also, how does my players keep having their energy drained at 35mins into 1st half when I'm on ultra defensive mode not pressing??  When the other team is high press with 3/4 players & come half time his team is fresh as a daisy??

Beyond angry with current gameplay issues.... 

Ps. It's not Internet speed/lag or any such, I can see it play out in real time