Getting the best from your AP?

I dont seem to be able to get the best from my attacking playmaker.
Its their best position (whoever I use) but I only seem to get 6.9-7.0 performances from them. The Ball winning defender along side plays very well though.

Any advice?

What formation do you play? It could be that your playing style doesn't allow the playmaker to get enough time on the ball, or have enough passing options to influence the game properly.