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Naby Keita's performances for RB Leipzig this campaign have understandably been under the spotlight a little more than last season - and not just because of his agreed move to Liverpool .

The Reds have a deal in place to bring the Guinea international to Anfield for a club-record fee in the summer after a string of sensational performances to take his side to second place in the Bundesliga last campaign.

However, some believe that Keita's performances for RB Leipzig have dropped off and German journalist Ronald Tenbusch, who covers the club for Die Welt , has given the inside track on that perceived dip.

"So far this season everyone here feels that Naby has performed on a slightly lower level," Tenbusch told Sky Sports .

"Most likely it is because expectations have become bigger after his outstanding breakthrough season. But people have also had the feeling, especially in the early weeks of the season, that his upcoming move to Liverpool has influenced his performances."

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The midfielder's disciplinary record has also been coming under a lot of scrutiny over the past few weeks.

Keita has picked up three red cards in his last 10 matches in all competitions - with dismissals against Borussia Monchengladbach and Bayern Munich coming either side of a sending off against Guinea.

However, Tenbusch doesn't believe the 22-year-old has any problems with his attitude and he just needs to learn how to handle his more aggressive opponents.

"I don't think he has problems with discipline. The only thing I have recognised is that he has changed his style a bit, he is wearing more extravagant clothes, but he is certainly not a diva.

(Image: AFP PHOTO / ROBERT MICHAEL)

"Of course he needs to learn how to handle aggressive opponents but I don't think he has a problem controlling his emotions.

"He is not like Franck Ribery, who reacts with physical assaults when someone provokes him. From my point of view, Naby just needs to find the right balance in his style of play."