Marc Skinner: Phallon Tullis-Joyce can be the best goalkeeper in the world | OneFootball

Manchester United head coach Marc Skinner has praised goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce as she continues to enjoy a rich vein of form.

The American has been a formidable force for United this season, conceding just six goals in 14 games en route to keeping nine clean sheets in the Women's Super League (WSL).

"I've been fortunate enough in my time to work with some incredible goalkeepers, but for me, she has an agility and an athleticism that I don't think many can match," Skinner said at his latest news conference.

United's strong defensive structure has impressed this season, with the entire back four delivering consistently high performances in recent weeks. The head coach praised Tullis-Joyce's ability to deliver a sense of comfort to those in front of her.

"I think she's dominant," the head coach continued. "I think she comes up big in the moments we need her, which is probably two or three times a game. She gives the confidence to all of the defenders behind her. More importantly, she's a student of the game. She's constantly trying to get better, and she's got a fantastic attitude.

"It's the whole reason we brought her to Manchester United, because we saw that talent. I'm incredibly proud of her because she's come through some challenging times to get to where she is and now we see her only getting better.

"She's got lots and lots of qualities, and statistically I think she'll perform to hopefully be the best goalkeeper. We're in a game of opinions, but my opinion fixed in with those statistics is that she's an incredible goalkeeper, and somebody I think can be the world's very best."

Despite her recent form, Tullis-Joyce was not selected as a part of the U.S. women's national team roster for the squad's SheBelieves Cup campaign. Emma Hayes opted to select Jane Campbell (Houston Dash) and Mandy McGlynn (Utay Royals) over the United goalkeeper. Tullis-Joyce still travelled home to the U.S. to join the squad as a training player.

Grace Clinton started in both of England's Nations League games / Visionhaus/GettyImages

Grace Clinton is another United star rising through the ranks, awarded back-to-back starts in England's February UEFA Women's Nations League campaign. The 21-year-old tested herself against the very best, coming head-to-head with Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmati in England's valiant victory over Spain.

In the absence of Georgia Stanway, Sarina Wiegman opted to deploy Clinton in the number eight position. The United starlet took to the challenge with strength, showcasing her potential in a deeper midfield role.

"Grace is definitely growing into 8 role, that's the forward thinking process for her," Skinner shared. "Me and her have agreed that, and I know Sarina feels the same as well. I really enjoyed her mature performance.

"England were in a block for a little bit of the game, which then gives you space in covering positions. Grace is excellent at those, she still wants to develop the box to box, because I think she has all of those qualities to give. It's about looking at where Grace is at and trying to put her into the team in the best space to give us a chance of winning, because she's a she obviously a fantastic player."