The best early worker is the one that solves a current production bottleneck. Build coverage around the jobs your base repeats most often.
List the jobs the base actually needs
Start from gathering, production, food or transport needs rather than from a generic list of strong workers.
Choose reliable coverage before specialization
A simple team that keeps essential jobs moving is more useful than several niche workers with no clear role.
Consider how well the worker functions in your layout
A theoretically good worker is less useful if the base layout makes its job inconsistent.
Upgrade workers when a real bottleneck remains
Replace or add Pals because a task is holding back progression, not just because a new option is available.