Former player, one making extortionate demands (7)
I believe the answer is:
exactor
'one making extortionate demands' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer. I also know that 'demands' relates to this answer.
'former player' is the wordplay.
'former' becomes 'ex' (prefix meaning former or onetime).
'player' becomes 'actor' (synonyms).
'ex'+'actor'='EXACTOR'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for exactor that I've seen before include "One demands" , "demanding type" , "He demands payment" , "Person squeezing" , "Core tax (anag.)" .)