I'm still very recent here and have been playing for quite a short time. My question is simple but would like some more experienced opinions. My party cosists of

still on level two)
Paladin (me)
Keldorn
Anomem
Yoshimo
Aerie
Valygar
My doubt is maintain or send Valygar for a hike.(I have done the sphere quest already so is he needed) I have read alot of negative opinions about him. Should I replace him with a mage? Could be Edwin or Viconia but they are evil based (my party is good based) Cernd - Jan? I really don't know. Your opinions are appreciated. Thanks for your time.