The thing with people defending his stroppiness on the field as him demanding excellence, is I don't see it like that most of the time. Yesterday, for example, he just came across as a scolded child. It's got nothing to do with him demanding anything because half the time he's just muttering to himself while looking like he's on the verge of tears. I don't understand the clamour for that sort of behaviour, personally. I have absolutely no problem with a player ripping into a teammate when needed and wising them up. I do think we've lacked that a lot at times over the past few years, but I don't necessarily see that from him too much. It's not commanding then, I guess is the point I'm making. It's more whiny, as opposed to assertive.
He's also been really bad for weeks now. I can' remember the last game he actually played well in, and I'm not just talking about getting a goal (although I don't think he's got a goal in something like 6/7 weeks or something), but really controlling a game and standing out.
I should say what I do like about him, is that he clearly demands more from himself. He knows when he's not doing good enough and is not afraid to say it.