first–string 
/ˈfɚstˈstrɪŋ/ adjective
/ˈfɚstˈstrɪŋ/ adjective US, sports : most skillful
▪ the first-string quarterback/catcher ◊The first-string players on a team play first in the game because they are considered the best players. This term is also sometimes used figuratively.
▪ The newspaper sent its first-string [=best] critic to review the play. — compare second-string
▪ the first-string quarterback/catcher ◊The first-string players on a team play first in the game because they are considered the best players. This term is also sometimes used figuratively.
▪ The newspaper sent its first-string [=best] critic to review the play. — compare second-string
