A "pivotal player" refers to someone who plays a crucial or essential role in a particular situation or event. They have the power to greatly influence the outcome and their actions can determine the success or failure of an endeavor.
Sentences with «pivotal player»
Conservative think tanks are the most pivotal players in this business. (niskanencenter.org)
Well, they save all their energy by not having to attack the whole game and avoid injuries to pivotal players which they realize can be detrimental to their title hopes. (justarsenal.com)
He may not be spectacular, but given time, Herrera could become a real pivotal player for the club in the Xabi Alonso mould, and it seems rash to get rid of him at this early stage. (caughtoffside.com)