The problem is very easy to identify. The only solution to OVERPOWERED passing and shooting is MANUAL CONTROLS.... The problem is 99% of the player based do NOT understand this and the developers of the game keep it in the dark to keep the "casuals" around. The problem for them is all the casuals are leaving too because of the very poor gameplay. 😆
You are also 110% correct about the defending mechanics. The MARKING positioning is BROKEN. Standing tackle is BROKEN. This is exactly why everyone lets the AI do all the defending and just use a CDM the entire time.
Dribbling is overpowered but only because the defending is absolutely useless.