Watkins, who missed the whole of pre-season in 2024, has netted five times in as many games for Villa during pre-season.
The 29-year-old opened the scoring in a 2-0 win over Unai Emery's former club Villarreal midway into the first half, before Emi Buendia completed the scoring four minutes after the restart.
And after hitting the goal scoring trail ahead of the new season, Watkins hopes he has laid the foundations for a successful campaign.
"Pre-season is crucial for yourself as a player. It sets the foundations for you going into the season," Watkins told the club.
"Last season I didn't have that. I didn't play any pre-season games so you're trying to play catch-up during the season.
Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins (left) celebrates against Bournemouth last season.
"For me, it's massive. It's nice to play these games, feel good, get your confidence up and go into the season all guns blazing."
The forward scored three in the US against Eintracht Frankfurt, St Louis City and Nashville - before adding to his tally in wins over AS Roma and Villarreal.
Last season, Watkins netted 17 times in 54 games across all competitions, and has plundered 87 in 223 appearances in total during his five seasons at the club.
He has played a key role in Villa's remarkable rise under Emery as he heads into his sixth season at Villa Park.
Villa will return to Premier League action with the visit of Newcastle United to Villa Park on Saturday lunch-time.
Aston Villa return to action at Villa Park on Saturday.
Overall, Villa finished pre-season with three wins, two draws and three defeats, but Watkins is now eager to get the real stuff back underway.
"It's been a good pre-season for us over in Nashville and then against Roma and Marseille. Some good tests for us and the last game tonight has been positive and puts us in good stead ahead of the weekend," he added.
"Just looking forward to being back at Villa Park, we've not played any pre-season games there.
"It'll be nice to be playing in front of a full Villa Park again. I've missed that feeling and I'm looking forward to many more games during the season.
"We've got big targets this season, starting with a big game against Newcastle and then we'll roll on from there."