Balls played in behind the defence aren't really that effective anymore to be honest and I found defending to be easy when I played seasons.
I concede 0.61 goals per game in online seasons and have won division 1 with Juventus although I will admit I play with a front three of Dybala, Cuadrado and Pereyra who are all quite fast. I use them for their agility, dribbling and skills more so than their pace though.