NO and NO!
1) No. The defense/offense has a nice balance. You should lower the difficulty level if you are having trouble. It is very easy to keep possession of the ball. I play on full-manual.
2) In regards to speed, you need to understand that EA have balanced running while dribbling vs running without the ball. You should be faster without dribbling. That's why you need to use knock-on dribbles/ especially double-knock. To hit the ball even further away from you. This way you will pick up speed when not taking touches.