Spain's lack of a star player in the mould of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Cristiano Ronaldo was a strength rather than a weakness at the World Cup, according to Unai Simon.

Simon clinched the Golden Glove after La Roja defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time in Sunday's final, with substitute Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal.

Argentina became the first team in World Cup final history to fail to attempt a single shot in regulation time, and they ended the 120 minutes having only had two efforts. 

Spain only conceded one goal throughout their eight games at the tournament, also allowing their opponents just 2.4 expected goals at an average of 0.3 xG per game – both are the best figures ever recorded by any team at a World Cup.

Simon was only forced into 10 saves throughout the tournament – one fewer than Argentina's Emiliano Martinez made in the final.

And, speaking to Spanish broadcaster La 1 after Spain's second World Cup success, Simon said La Roja's team mentality was crucial to their success.

"Analysing our rivals, we cannot reduce ourselves to big names," Simon said.

"Cristiano's Portugal, Mbappe's France, Messi's Argentina... they have those resources, they can make those players into Christ. We knew how to stay calm."

Asked about Spain's fearsome defensive record, he added: "It's not just the goalkeeper's merit. The whole team did a complete job. 

"To win the World Cup, you have to play a top tournament throughout.

"That statistic will always be put on the goalkeeper, but you have to value the defensive work from top to bottom. 

"If you want to win a World Cup, you have to be consistent. We have achieved it. We're very proud of these gladiators. We have been spectacular."

Boss Luis de la Fuente nominated Simon as Spain's first-choice goalkeeper ahead of Arsenal's Premier League title-winning shot-stopper David Raya. 

But the Athletic Club man feels Spain would have won the tournament whoever played in goal.

"In the end, I will always be grateful to him for giving me the opportunity," Simon said of De la Fuente. "Any of our goalkeepers were capable of winning the World Cup. 

"With a different decision, we would have won it anyway!"