I think if the attacker is quick enough in relation to the defender and has close enough ball control, they should generally be able to get round the defender, as the defender is starting from a standing position and then has to turn 180 degrees, whereas the attacker is just continuing their current motion. However, this is where teams double with defenders by placing one behind the other, so the attacker can't use their pace to get past.

Look at it like this, if they don't possess blistering Bale pace, the attacker basically has 2 options.

First, they can dribble then knock the ball one way, let's say to the defender's right, and then run to the other side of the defender. The defender will most likely turn around to their right where the ball was knocked. If they do, this gives the attacker more space to maintain their speed and avoid getting out-strengthed by the defender on their left. If the defender doesn't follow the ball, and they turn to their left, it is likely that they are more focused on blocking the attackers run than getting possession of the ball, more often that not this will draw a foul if the attacker is clever about it.

Second option, the attacker can dribble to one side of the defender, knock the ball to that side, and then also attempt to run to that same side. This makes it a lot easier for the defender to get their body in between the attacker and the ball, as they are turning to the same direction as where the ball is. If the defender can get their body in between the attacker and the ball they will be more easily able to stop the attacker getting past them and they should be able to shield the ball.

However, it's all subjective within the game. For example, let's say Garteh Bale is running at Mascherno. Mascherano will know that if Bale gets past him, there is no way he is catching him up, so he is more likely to focus on just stopping Bale getting past by positioning his body. Then, let's say Bale is running at Jordi Alba, Jordi Alba will probably think that he has a chance of staying with Bale and even getting to the ball before him, so he would probably follow the ball.