I've also noticed that although I have some strikers that still score a lot, but offensive mildfielders are now in power. However, one case from league on level 25 where my team is, proves that every rule has an exception; team which is leader in league (im 2nd with 5pts behind) uses same formation whole season 4-3-3 shield (2MC+DMC in mildfield). He has strong team, but whole league has strong teams due draws based on avQ so he doesn't have quallity advantage. Besides that, he has on bench only 3 players, and those are GK and 2 mildfielders (one with 3 and one with 4 stars). Also, few seasons ago I've seen different, bizzare case where weak 3* team used formation 5-2DMC-MC-2 and managed to win CL position (he was 3rd or 4th). He left behind some strong 4* and 5* teams, not by much, but by just enough. How to explain that?
It is sth I'd call team chemistry. There is no better explanation, team just plays good and it is in form and as long as it wins, don't change anything LOL.