And thank God chibob, asshole high press defense isn't as effective. Pubers can no longer just sprint into people to win the ball back! Shielding improvements are responsible for a lot of this.
Also I disagree about passing being weaker, I think passes are generally more accurate this year, especially short passes. And that also helps people hold possession.
Threaded through balls have replaced old ground through balls in the urgency category and normal through balls moving at shower pace than last year just provides you with options, imo.