Speaking after his brace in Villa's Europa League win at Bologna on Thursday, Watkins highlighted the influence of former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker Owen.
"I speak to Michael Owen quite a bit," he said. "Someone like him, who has hit levels I've not achieved, knows how I'm thinking and can give advice.
"It's nice to be in my position and be able to reach out to these people. I sent him a message on Instagram and we had a chat.
"He feels I'm at my best when I play 'angry' and when I'm a nuisance. He wants me to bring that to the table as much as possible."
Watkins also told BBC Sport: "Throughout my career, this season has been the toughest. I've done so well to get to where I am and I hit a new level scoring goals in Europe. You set that expectation.
"When I scored for England at the Euros (in the semi-final win over the Netherlands at Euro 2024) there were more eyes on me. This year I haven't been at the level I wanted to and learning to deal with that is hard.
"Football can always change. You can score three goals in a game and everyone says you're back in form. But this year has been difficult, not being at the level I want to be, even though I always have faith in my ability. I know I can get back to the level I reached in previous seasons."