As Hull City prepares for a crucial match against Luton Town this weekend, optimism is growing surrounding the return of young midfielder Gustavo Puerta to the first-team fold. Under the management of Ruben Selles, City has witnessed a marked improvement in performance, and Puerta’s contributions have been significant during this transitional period for the club.
Puerta has impressed on the pitch, showcasing his talents in recent matches after reintegration into the starting lineup. His pivotal role began during the victory over Plymouth Argyle, where he not only helped create the second goal but also found the net himself in a comeback win against Oxford United on March 12. Initially, the goal was marred by controversy, but it was eventually awarded to him by the EFL’s dubious goals committee, marking a highlight in his season.
However, the Colombian international faced an unfortunate setback during the win over Gary Rowett’s side, as he was sent off in the dying moments of the match—97th minute to be precise. The referee, Josh Smith, issued a second yellow card following a controversial judgement during an altercation with Leicester City loanee Ben Nelson, believing Puerta had simulated the foul. Consequently, this dismissal forced the young talent to miss a subsequent draw against West Brom. This decision left the 21-year-old disappointed, especially as it hindered his growing momentum within the squad.
Looking ahead, Selles expressed confidence in Puerta’s development, noting his improvement in determination and ability in the final third. “I think players sometimes have those ups and downs, and sometimes they have it (themselves), sometimes we provoke that with our decisions, and I think Gustavo had a couple of points of improvement that he needed to make,” Selles told Hull Live. “He’s a good player.” The importance of Puerta's contributions cannot be understated, particularly as the club is on the brink of being obligated to secure his services permanently, with an estimated fee of £3 million due once he meets a certain quota of appearances.
Selles's arrival at Hull City in December brought a wave of hope after the team had struggled significantly prior to his appointment. Since taking charge, he has been able to inspire the team to begin climbing the Championship table despite remaining entrenched in a relegation battle. The recent draw against West Brom, just a single stumble in an unbeaten run that has seen the club gather points steadily, illustrates the direction Selles is taking them. City has seen a mixed report card, with seven wins, seven losses, and five draws from his 19 Championship matches thus far, amassing 26 points to sit in 10th place during that period.
Despite the harsh realities of relegation and a narrow three-point gap to Derby County—the team currently occupying the last relegation spot—there remains a silver lining in their recent form. In the last seven games, City has only experienced a single defeat, showcasing a type of resilience that bodes well as they move towards the end of the season. With just eight matches remaining and 24 points available, there’s still a pathway for achieving safety in the Championship.
The club has dealt with a myriad of challenges, including injuries and suspensions of key players. In particular, the unavailability of summer signings like Liam Millar and Mohamed Belloumi, along with the suspended Oscar Zambrano, emphasized just how testing the season has been. Nevertheless, Selles's leadership appears to be taking root as he instills a fighting mentality among the players, much needed in the closing stretch of the season.
In preparation for their upcoming fixture against Luton, which is set for March 29, Hull City is working to draw significant crowds to the MKM Stadium. This is vital for energizing the team and establishing a home advantage in this crucial contest. To rev up interest, entry prices have been slashed to just £15 for adults, an enticing offer aimed at fostering a vibrant atmosphere that can galvanize the players.
In a bid to provide fans with the best experience possible, the club also announced a clearance sale on its Kappa merchandise, reinforcing their commitment to engage the fan base during these crucial weeks. With the potential for securing survival within reach, every effort is being made to promote camaraderie and support for the team.
Gustavo Puerta’s return will be pivotal for Hull City as they aim to fend off relegation and capitalize on their recent form. The combination of a supportive home crowd, restored confidence in players like Puerta, and leadership from Selles sets the stage for an exciting finish to the season. As the team looks to solidify its status in the Championship, all eyes will be on their performance against Luton Town and in the subsequent matches ahead.
