Crossword Genius

Key player (i not y) (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

linchpin

(Other definitions for linchpin that I've seen before include "Essential person - keeps wheel in position" , "The part which holds a wheel on its axle" , "key individual" , "Mainstay, support" , "It keeps wheel in position on axle" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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