No doubt that the game is fine to play even without paying. Top eleven almost have no competitors to catch this level.
But the reality is that developers are somehow very weak in making the game progressing in the tactical way. And of course leaves a lot of unsolved problems in the game. They went for other type of game side - competitions, events etc. which is like background for chosen way of the game.

This reminds a bit of fifa - somehow poor, monotonous gameplay but very fancy and shiny other part of game elements like cards which does not leave disinterested people.