The problem with short passing is u have less chances shots on target cause they try to carry the ball into the net, like spain, but i still prefer it cause there's no gap between players in ND so its good for short, u can also surprise opponents if u have great dr n dl, then give them red arrows n attack mixed, cause Noone expects a narrow diamond attacks through the flanks
A friendly vs level lower is useless, ur player won't improve, u should play friendlies higher o same, i usually improve 6 to 9 player with every friendly vs higher o same