Model soldier left without energy (7)

I believe the answer is:

paragon

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'model' is the definition.
(a paragon is a model example of something)

'soldier left without energy' is the wordplay.
'soldier' becomes 'para' (paratrooper).
'left' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'without energy' becomes 'nog' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'nog' written backwards gives 'gon'.
'para'+'gon'='PARAGON'

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(Other definitions for paragon that I've seen before include "An ideal" , "Perfect diamond" , "Model of excellence or perfection" , "Role model" , "Perfect type" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

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