diff --git a/Library/Homebrew/language/python.rb b/Library/Homebrew/language/python.rb
index 581ee82ac0289..a80dd1bd89142 100644
--- a/Library/Homebrew/language/python.rb
+++ b/Library/Homebrew/language/python.rb
@@ -167,7 +167,7 @@ def virtualenv_create(venv_root, python = "python", formula = self)
       def needs_python?(python)
         return true if build.with?(python)
 
-        (requirements.to_a | deps).any? { |r| r.name == python && r.required? }
+        (requirements.to_a | deps).any? { |r| r.name.split("/").last == python && r.required? }
       end
 
       # Helper method for the common case of installing a Python application.