Academy rules indeed. My best player is a ST with free kick ability with almost 400 goals in 360 games (and people saying ST doesn't score anymore), and my 2nd best player is an MR with dribbling ability who was an Academy player that I bought in the old trade market from a friend from my asso.
My ST is top scorer the last 6 seasons and my MR is best assistant too and he scores a lot. Both are 27 and they will stay with me until their retirement.
For me the academy is the best way to get superb players