Manchester City midfielder Rodri was delighted reaching the Club World Cup final.
City were comfortable 3-0 winners against Urawa Red Diamonds on Tuesday night.
Rodri said: "I think he [Matheus Nunes] needed this for his confidence and to keep going. He's a very good player.
"Very young of course. He provoked the first goal. Mateo Kovacic, he also scored his first goal.
"Both of them are doing very good. We need them. We need them until the end of the season.
"They are going to be important players. I'm very happy for them.
"We need the best of all of us. I hope we give our best in the final."