Given how there are several menus full of specific team-command function in the game, it's not a far fetch to claim that Stars are not everything in Top Eleven.

There's the Squad view (Lineup tab), from which you manage:
-Formation
-Player initiative (Up,Down arrows)

There's the Tactics panel, from where you manage:
-Attack
-Defence

Under each of which there are 4 specific strategic options that you have to regulate before AND during a live match:
ATTACK
-Team mentality
-Focu passing
-Passing style
-Force counter-attacks
DEFENCE
-Pressing style
-Tackling style
-Marking style
-Play offside trap

Some work well when combined others do not. Some have a middle option that you can chose, other ask you to commit to a specific style.

AND not to forget that during a live match you can also chose to boost the percentage of a specific Team Bonus:
-Attack
-Defence
-Possession
-Condition

So as anyone can see, there is a whole basket full of choices you, as a Manager, have to tackle - mix and match - min and max - AND then there is your opponent who has to do the same.

There are many ways to counter your opponent. And for your opponent to counter you. Never rely only on your statistical power. This game is not just about numbers.