It mostly depends on their passing stats. If they have low passing stats they will struggle to pass the ball. Check their stats. Also depending on how your opposition are playing could be a big factor. Try settting your defensive midfielder as both playmaker and target man if possible. Try using the supply as pass to feet. Also the fact your target man supply at the moment is run onto ball meaning your defenders are more likely to be looking to play the ball over the top of the oppositions defence.