Crossword Genius

The original eleven? (5,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

first team

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'the original eleven?' is the definition.
'first team' can be an answer for 'eleven?' (thesaurus). I'm not certain of the 'the original' bit.

'original eleven?' is the wordplay.
'original' becomes 'first' (similar in meaning).
'eleven?' becomes 'team' (eleven or XI can mean a football team).
'first'+'team'='FIRST TEAM'

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I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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