I met 2 guys last season with many scouts and I had good results (1 defeat 1-0, 1 win 2-1, and 2 draws 1-1, 2-2) while I was an average 4* with 3-4 players at 5*. I had much ball possession and several shoots on target.

I used exactly what u say: 3-1-4-1-1 plus: defending, whole pitch pressing, mixed focus (I think or down both flanks), zonal marking with a red arrow on AMC.

Press whole pitch and turn to zonal mark. You may also change to normal or defending.