Fighting cloud

I'm very confused about fighting Cloud. I was using Noctis, and he was extremely hard. All of his attacks, even his neutrals, we're faster then mine. I would start the attack animotion before him, but not hit him and be hit. He also canceled from blade beam directly into dash attack instantly. Cross slash was also impossible to avoid, as well. I would dash away, but the insane reach would hit me anyway. Any advice?