Goals from Youri Tielemans, Emí Buendía and Morgan Rogers sealed Villa's first major trophy in 30 years and their first European honour since the European Cup triumph in 1982. Watkins, speaking to TNT Sports on the pitch after the final whistle, reflected on the dominant nature of the performance.
"Amazing, amazing. To perform like that was unbelievable. I felt like we really controlled the game and we punished them in the end."
He paid tribute to set-piece coach Austin MacPhee, whose work across the season has turned dead balls into one of Aston Villa's most consistent attacking weapons.
"I've watched many finals and I think set pieces are very important. Until then it was a bit cagey, they were going man for man. Fair play to Austin MacPhee for having the courage — we left four up on a corner. An unbelievable experience. Look at this. It's what you dream of."
MacPhee had worked on the corner routine that produced the opening goal only on the Monday before the final. That it worked first time on the biggest stage was a testament to the execution of the players and the confidence of those who designed it.
Watkins was also effusive in his praise for the atmosphere Emery brought into the preparation, drawing a contrast with the anxiety that can sometimes accompany high-stakes league games.
"He was really calm today in the build-up. Sometimes in league games he's anxious because he wants to get the win but today he was calm and that set the tone for us boys."
He also highlighted two individual contributions that stood out for him. Tielemans controlled the midfield from the first minute, setting the tempo and converting Villa's first opportunity with the precision of a player who had practised it that morning. But Watkins saved his biggest compliment for the defender who stepped into the starting line-up.
"Youri ran the show in midfield. And Victor Lindelof has done so well since he's come in — he was my player of the match today."
The Swedish centre-back produced a flawless display against SC Freiburg's physical forward line, winning every aerial duel he contested.