I thought it was only me that finds this diamond a complete mystery...

I was always too embarrassed to ask!
I think this game can be perceived very differently by a lot of people.
Depending on the mode you are playing, settings, team, league, even tactics..
It took me a while to settle.
Trial doesnt really help, coz at the back of your mind you know the clock is ticking and you dont really want to start any proper mode. You are just constantly experimenting, without letting yourself to sit back and enjoy.
I settled at the absolute bottom of football. Dont know why, but I find these dreadful, scrappy games really enjoyable.
Last night I had 17(!) shots and only 3 on target, red card for AI and a penalty (which GK saved) and two injuries in one match - both of them my strikers, so I'll be forced to have midfielders up front now.
Player career is also quite fun. Never played it before coz you could never come in as a sub, which was putting me off altogether.
If you are on the fence - give it some time, see how it develops and then maybe grab it on some deal.