Top Player is surely not 'balanced' well.. I've noticed
this too but only on longer duration :/ Have you tried playing 30 min matches on Top Player? It's almost unplayable, but with regular 10-15 min matches it's random like you say.. on a personal note; not very much bothered with it on regular time though.
Lately ive just been playing on professional 30 min games and boy what a fun experience that is.
Excellent stuff Konami!!
Never have I enjoyed playing a football game for 30 mins per half! Talk about build up play, losing possesion, regaining it, defending and countering for 30 mins per half with
this type of AI/gameplay!! SIMPLY AMAZING
The keepers seem a whole lot better as well (maybe just lucky). Noticeably way more passing error too (0 bar) but also from AI which of course makes perfect sense on longer simulation.
The lofted thru ball was not abusive at all (or) even combined with a few player trigger runs. The balance was there for sure. That 'balance' also reflects on the fouls/offsides/cards given and especially END results which are believable too, the latter being my biggest concern. Have had all kinds of different and realistic results really.
Change and variation in team style/tactics (PER TEAM) is also
more apparent if you play longer games. For ex CPU trying to completely lure you in on their half only to try and counter you when they're ahead in score. CPU playing long balls because there's no way in for them

Well done Seabass!!
In regards to TOP player I wouldn't be sceptic 'just yet' though, since it is only the first demo. In a few days we'll be getting an improved version (hooray)
I'm hopeful that it will be better for sure
Btw i noticed if you play on attack (orange) tactic settings with select +

/

the attackers make deeper runs to play a through ball contrary to when it's on green/balanced (by default)
Some were complaining about lack of attacking/forward runs, thought this might help.