Sneaky Pete

This is an on-and-off problem in FM, with some versions being worse than others. FM23 isn't great but nowhere near as bad as say, FM16, where wide players would run parallel to the byline and cannon it at the near post from a zero-degree angle. Generally, though, it's a sequence of play that's very hard to recreate consistently.

It depends on where the dribble happens. I agree that attempted dribbles tend to result in a loss of the ball in the first 2/3rds of the pitch, but once you get to the attacking 3rd it's pretty clear that taking a man on is lava. Wide players on attacking duties are particularly bad about it. Receive ball -> get shown outside and make a dash for the byline -> stand on the ball and lollygag until you get tackled happens 20+ times per game against underdogs that pack the box. The IFs/IWs is actually more willing to take a man on directly than their attack duty counterparts, presumably because they tend to receive the ball deeper on the pitch. Once wide players are level with the top of the box it's like they can smell that bloody byline and neither man nor beast is going to keep them from it.

It's slightly better but players (not just wingers) are generally still far too reticent to take a man on directly. You see far too few progressive carries by defenders and midfielders in buildup for the same reason.