Dumb luck or just bad tactics?

I bought 2 very expensive fast trainers this season - I'm at level 6

ST, Age 20, Value $10.1M, Salary $230K, 5* (48)
MR/AMR, Age 18, Value $8.3M, Salary $220K, 4* (43)

Both can train on average 120/70/30 (from memory)

However, both suck even in friendly matches...even tho they score/provide assists, the game rates them 5-6. Most of the time their names are not mentioned in the commentary. Think I got the bad end of the bargain, twice, with these purchases.

Thinking of continuing to train them and see how they perform next season.

Anyone experiencing something similar?